COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — With less than a month remaining until the first Republican presidential debate of the 2024 campaign, seven candidates claim to have met the qualifications to be on stage in Milwaukee. However, about half of the GOP field is running out of time to meet the requirements. To qualify for the August 23 debate, candidates needed to meet polling and donor requirements set by the Republican National Committee: at least 1% in three reputable national polls or a combination of national and early-state polls between July 1 and August 21, and a minimum of 40,000 donors, with 200 in 20 or more states. Let’s take a look at who’s in, who’s possibly out, and who’s still working on making it:
1. The current front-runner has already satisfied the polling and donor thresholds. However, he is considering boycotting the debate and hosting a competing event instead. Campaign advisors have stated that the former president has not made a final decision yet.
2. The Florida governor is seen as the top rival to the former president. He has performed well in polls but has faced difficulties in his campaign in recent weeks, including staff layoffs and financial challenges.
3. The South Carolina senator is looking for a breakthrough moment and sees the first debate as a chance to shine. He has focused his campaign resources on the early-voting state of Iowa.
4. The former U.N. ambassador and South Carolina governor has showcased her electoral successes and international experience in her campaign. She is the only woman in the race and has met the debate polling requirements.
5. The biotech entrepreneur and author has gained popularity among audiences, despite not being widely known when he entered the race. His campaign has met the donor threshold and has implemented strategies to increase fundraising.
6. The former New Jersey governor has portrayed himself as the only candidate ready to challenge the former president. He has met the polling and donor requirements.
7. The North Dakota governor has used his personal wealth to boost his campaign. He has implemented unique strategies, such as giving away gift cards, to meet the donor threshold. Advertisements in early-voting states have helped him meet the polling requirements.
8. The former vice president has met the polling threshold but is still working on accumulating enough donors to qualify for the debate. His campaign expresses confidence in meeting the requirements in time.
9. The former two-term Arkansas governor has met the polling requirements but is working on satisfying the donor threshold. He has actively sought $1 donations to help secure his spot on the debate stage.
10. The Miami mayor has employed creative tactics to increase his donor numbers, such as offering chances to see a soccer game or win tuition money in exchange for donations. He is still short of the donor threshold.
11. The conservative radio host has criticized the criteria set by the RNC and claims that only establishment-backed and billionaire candidates are guaranteed a spot on stage. His campaign has seen an increase in donors but has not met the polling requirements.
12. The wealthy but lesser-known businessman from Michigan is confident in meeting the debate qualifications. He has offered incentives such as free concert tickets and copies of his book to donors.
13. The former Texas congressman, who entered the race late, has stated that he will not pledge support to the eventual GOP nominee, which would keep him off the debate stage even if he meets the qualifying criteria.