SIMI VALLEY, Calif. – Republican presidential challengers will face each other on the debate stage for a second time on Wednesday, also with notable absences this time around.
Former President Trump will be skipping the debate yet again, opting to address United Auto Worker members in Michigan. Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson did not make the stage this time, failing to meet the polling threshold needed to qualify.
The Hill’s Julia Manchester will be covering tomorrow’s debate from Simi Valley.
Here’s what you need to know:
Who will be there: Participating in tomorrow night’s debate are Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, former Vice President Mike Pence, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum.
More on who is set to be on stage here.
What are the stakes: The debate presents another opportunity for the candidates to make their case in front of a national audience. Julia reports that the stakes are particularly high for DeSantis, who has yet to catch up to Trump in the polls, as some polls show Haley and Ramaswamy catching up to his second place spot.
Haley, Ramaswamy and Pence will be able to build on what many called strong debate performances in Milwaukee, which led to increase interest. Christie will have the chance to show off his strong debate skills, while hitting directly at Trump. As for Burgum, this may be one of his last chances to sell his candidacy and vision to a national audience as he struggles to gain any traction in polling.
How to watch:
Time: 9pm ET/6pm PT
Channel: Fox Business Network and Univision. The Republican National Committee will also stream the forum on Rumble.
Moderators: Fox News Media’s Dana Perino, Stuart Varney and Univision’s Ilia Calderón.
And be sure to check The Hill’s media reporter Dominick Mastrangelo’s interview with Varney and Perino.
