RNC raises requirements for candidates to make second debate

The Republican National Committee has raised its requirements for candidates to attend the second primary debate in Simi Valley, Calif., on Sept. 27.

Candidates will need to reach a polling threshold of 3% in two national polls, or 3% in one national poll and two separate early state polls, Politico reported. They will also need to clear a 50,000 unique donor threshold, including at least 200 unique donors from at least 20 states or territories.

The polling threshold for the first debate stands at 1% in three national polls or 1% in two national polls and 1% in two state polls, as well as 40,000 unique donors and the same array of 200 unique donors across 20 or more states or territories.

As of press time, former President Donald Trump, Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, tech mogul Vivek Ramaswamy, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum have qualified for the Aug. 23 debate. Former Vice President Mike Pence and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson have cleared the polling thresholds but not the donor requirements.

Only Trump, DeSantis, Ramaswamy, Pence, Haley, and Scott currently boast an average of more than 3% support, according to RealClearPolitics.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.