ABC News has canceled a Republican presidential primary debate planned for Thursday in New Hampshire, the network confirmed Tuesday.
The cancelation comes after former President Trump’s blowout victory in the Iowa caucuses over rivals Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley.
Haley recently said she would not participate in any future debates not attended by Trump, who has skipped the first five debates leading up to Monday night’s caucuses in Iowa.
DeSantis said he was prepared to debate Haley or Trump and has repeatedly accused both candidates of trying to hide from voters.
“Our intent was to host a debate coming out of the Iowa caucuses, but we always knew that would be contingent on the candidates and the outcome of the race,” an ABC News spokesperson told The Hill on Tuesday. “As a result, while our robust election coverage will continue, ABC News and WMUR-TV will not be moving forward with Thursday’s Republican presidential primary debate in New Hampshire.”
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The debate was slated for Thursday and was set to be moderated by anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis.
Television ratings for each of the first five debates have steadily tapered as Trump has solidified his status as the race’s front-runner and more candidates drop out of contention to challenge him.
The New Hampshire GOP primary is slated for next Tuesday, Jan. 23.