CNN scraps New Hampshire debate after only DeSantis agrees to participate

CNN is scrapping plans to host a sixth Republican presidential primary debate after only Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis agreed to participate.

“With six days to go until the New Hampshire Primary, CNN is announcing a Town Hall this Thursday, January 18 with former [U.N. Ambassador] Nikki Haley with Jake Tapper at 9pm ET from New England College in Henniker, New Hampshire, following last night’s CNN Town Hall with Gov. Ron DeSantis and Wolf Blitzer,” a spokesperson for the network said Wednesday. “CNN is no longer moving forward with a New Hampshire Republican Presidential Primary Debate, as only one qualifying candidate accepted our invitation to take the stage. We will continue to pursue other opportunities as the campaign season progresses through 2024, including candidate Town Halls.”

The debate was originally scheduled to take place in New Hampshire on Sunday. After former President Trump’s runaway victory in this week’s Iowa caucuses, however, former Haley said she would not attend any further debates not attended by Trump, who did not participate in the first five.

That stance forced ABC News to cancel a debate planned for Thursday in New Hampshire.

Updated at 10:41 a.m.