"Seven Republicans Confirmed for Second GOP Presidential Debate"

Seven Republican candidates have qualified for the party's second primary debate, down from eight in the first debate. Former President Donald Trump will once again not participate, focusing on a potential general election rematch against President Biden. The candidates met the Republican National Committee's polling and donor thresholds, with six comfortably meeting the requirements and one candidate, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, qualifying at the last minute. Other contenders failed to meet the polling or donor criteria. Trump's decision to skip the debates has not affected his campaign significantly, and he plans to skip the next debate as well. The second debate offers the remaining candidates an opportunity to make their case to GOP voters, but it remains uncertain if they can close the gap between themselves and Trump.