"RNC sets strict guidelines for GOP presidential primary debate participation"

The Republican National Committee has announced the criteria for the first GOP presidential primary debate in August. Candidates must attain at least 1% in three national polls or 1% in two national polls and 1% in a state poll from one of four early nominating states, and have at least 40,000 unique donors to their principal presidential campaign committee or exploratory committee and at least 200 unique donors per state in 20 states or more. The RNC left open the possibility of holding a second debate on Aug. 24, if enough candidates qualify. Former President Donald Trump, the GOP’s leading 2024 presidential candidate, has floated the idea that he may not participate in the primary debates.