RNC announces Republican primary debate at Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California

The Republican National Committee on Wednesday announced that a GOP primary debate will be held in late September at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute in California. 

The RNC will partner with FOX Business, Univision and Rumble for the second debate, committee chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said.

The debate will be held on Sept. 27, 2023, in Simi Valley. It will follow the first GOP presidential primary debate scheduled for Aug. 23 in Milwaukee, Wisc.

"We are looking forward to continuing our fair, neutral and transparent primary process in Simi Valley to elect the next President of the United States," McDaniel said.

The first debate will feature at least eight candidates, including former President Donald Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and South Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum.

It is unclear who will qualify to move on to the second debate. Politico reported earlier this month that in order to qualify, candidates will need to reach at least 3% in two national polls or 3% in one national poll and 3% in two polls from states with early nominating races, such as Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada. This is more strict than the first debate, which requires at least 1% to qualify.

Trump, who is ahead of the other candidates, has not committed to participating in the debates.

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