The Republican National Committee (RNC) has confirmed the participation of five GOP presidential candidates in the upcoming third Republican presidential primary debate.
The event is scheduled to take place on Wednesday evening in Miami, Florida.
The quintet of candidates set to grace the stage includes Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and ex-South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, U.S. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, and author and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.
Notably absent from the roster is former President Donald Trump, who, despite leading in the GOP nominating contest according to polls, has chosen to forgo the first two GOP presidential primary debates. Instead, Trump has planned a rally in Hialeah, Florida, coinciding with the debate on Wednesday.
Former Vice President Mike Pence, who had taken part in the second GOP presidential primary debate, withdrew from the primary late last month. North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, another participant in the September debate, remains in the race but will not be present at the third debate.
Eligibility for participation in the debate was determined by candidates meeting specific polling and fundraising thresholds.
RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel expressed her anticipation for the third debate in Miami, viewing it as a platform for the candidates to present their conservative agenda to the American public. "We are especially honored to be the first political party to partner with a Jewish organization for a debate in our partnership with the Republican Jewish Coalition, and our candidates will reaffirm the Republican Party's unwavering support of Israel and the Jewish community on the stage Wednesday night," McDaniel stated, as reported in a press release.
The debate, in partnership with Salem Radio Network, the Republican Jewish Coalition, and Rumble, will be broadcast at 8 p.m. ET on NBC News and livestreamed on Rumble, as per the RNC press release.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds endorsed DeSantis on Monday, praising his discipline and commitment to the country. "We need someone who won't get distracted but will stay disciplined, who puts this country first and not himself," Reynolds declared at a DeSantis rally. "That leader is Ron DeSantis."
Meanwhile, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who served as White House press secretary during part of Trump's tenure, has endorsed Trump. Sanders criticized the current administration in her endorsement statement, saying, "It's not a question between right versus left anymore. It's normal versus crazy, and President Biden and the left are doubling down on crazy." She praised the policies of the Trump era and expressed her pride in endorsing Donald Trump for President.
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