Republican National Committee Raises Bar for Second GOP Primary Debate

Tougher criteria announced for the second Republican primary debate, set for Sept. 27. To qualify, candidates must now secure at least 3% in two national polls or 3% in one national poll and two polls from early-voting states.

Ronna McDaniel secures a fourth two-year term as Republican National Committee (RNC) chairwoman after a three-day meeting at a luxury resort in Dana Point, Calif., on Jan. 27, 2023. Mei Li/The Epoch Times

Republican National Committee (RNC) Chair Ronna McDaniel outlined new criteria for the second Republican primary debate during an Aug. 2 interview, increasing event requirements.

To qualify for the second debate—scheduled for Sept. 27 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California—candidates must meet the higher threshold, including the need for at least three percent support in two national polls or three percent in one national poll and two polls from four of the early-voting states.