Four Republican contenders, including Indian-Americans Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy, have officially made the cut for the upcoming fourth presidential debate, as confirmed by the Republican National Committee (RNC). Scheduled to unfold in Alabama on Wednesday night, this debate will witness a smaller stage, with just four candidates in contention, comprising Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.
CNN notes that this lineup marks the most compact stage for debates this year, set to take place in Tuscaloosa.
Notably absent from this event, as with previous debates, is former President Donald Trump, the current leading contender for the Republican nomination. Instead, he plans to attend a fundraiser in Florida.
The RNC's announcement on Monday arrives with a mere six weeks remaining until the Iowa caucuses initiate the 2024 Republican nomination process.
To qualify for this debate, candidates had to meet elevated criteria regarding donors and polling, as established by the RNC. They needed a minimum of 80,000 distinct donors, with at least 200 contributors from 20 states or territories.
Additionally, candidates were required to register at least 6% in two qualifying national polls or in one national poll combined with two polls from distinct early-voting states such as Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, or Nevada.
Similar to prior debates, the RNC mandated that candidates sign a pledge promising support for the eventual Republican nominee.
(With Agency Inputs)
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