Moulton confirms he’ll miss first Democratic debate

Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) confirmed Thursday that he will miss the first Democratic presidential debate in June, citing his late entrance into the race. 

“I knew that getting in the race so late there was a strong chance I’d miss the first debate—and yes, I will. But fear not! I’m not losing any sleep over it, and neither should you,” Moulton said in an email to supporters. 

{mosads}”This race is a marathon, not a sprint. At this point in the 2016 presidential campaign, Jeb Bush was leading in the Republican primary. Ben Carson was in second. And Donald Trump hadn’t even announced his candidacy yet,” he continued. 

The Massachusetts congressman announced his candidacy in April, and has yet to register in any national polls. 

Moulton’s announcement comes one day after the Wednesday deadline to qualify for the June 26 and 27 debates in Miami, where only 20 candidates will get a spot on the stage. 

Ten candidates are slated to appear onstage each night. 

The televised event will give candidates a chance to stand out from the crowded pack, which has been largely led by former Vice President Joe Biden.