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Will your favorite Republican candidate make the cut? The Republican National Committee has set jaw-dropping criteria for the first presidential primary debate, leaving contenders scrambling to meet the thresholds. Find out who’s ready to face off in this high-stakes showdown as the race for the White House intensifies.

The Republican National Committee, under the leadership of Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, is determined to ensure a fair and competitive primary process. To secure a spot on the stage for the August 23 debate in Milwaukee, candidates must surpass specific polling and fundraising thresholds. The criteria demand that candidates either poll at 1% in three national polls or achieve 1% in two national polls and 1% in one early state poll from the “carve out” states: Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina—states recognized by the RNC as pivotal in the primary process.

However, merely meeting the polling requirement is not enough. The survey methodology must adhere to specific criteria, such as sampling at least 800 registered likely Republican voters and utilizing various data collection methods. Polls must be conducted by unbiased sources and completed no later than two days before the debate. This ensures accuracy and fairness in the selection process.

In addition to the polling criteria, candidates must demonstrate fundraising prowess. They need a minimum of 40,000 unique donors, including at least 200 unique donors from a minimum of 20 states or U.S. territories. These thresholds serve as a measure of candidate support and grassroots engagement across the nation.

To participate, candidates must also sign pledges, agreeing not to take part in any non-RNC-sanctioned debates throughout the election cycle. Furthermore, candidates must pledge their support to the eventual party nominee and enter into an agreement to share campaign data with the RNC. These requirements underscore the party’s desire for unity and coordination as the race progresses.

The RNC anticipates that the standards for subsequent debates will likely become even more demanding. As the stakes continue to rise, candidates will face mounting pressure to meet evolving expectations. The first debate will be a critical moment, shaping public opinion and highlighting the frontrunners vying for the Republican nomination.

The road to the White House is paved with challenges, and the Republican candidates are bracing for an intense battle on the debate stage. With strict criteria in place, only the strongest contenders will have a chance to prove their mettle.