Six Republican candidates, including Ron DeSantis and Mike Pence, have qualified for the second GOP primary debate on September 27.

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As the anticipation for the second Republican primary debate on September 27 continues to mount, the list of candidates who have successfully secured their spots on the stage is beginning to take shape. Six notable figures have met the stringent criteria set by the Republican National Committee (RNC), guaranteeing their presence in this crucial political showdown.

Who all have qualified?

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley are the six individuals who have achieved the dual milestones of fundraising and polling set forth by the RNC.

These candidates have demonstrated their viability by amassing substantial financial backing, with each boasting at least 50,000 campaign donors, including a minimum of 200 donors hailing from 20 different states or territories. Additionally, they have garnered the support of at least 3 percent of Republican voters in either two national polls or one national poll and two polls from the select early primary states identified by the RNC.

However, uncertainties loom on the horizon. Notably, the absence of former President Donald J. Trump, the frontrunner in polling, from the first debate has left lingering questions about his participation in the second debate. Mr. Trump’s hesitancy to sign the RNC pledge to support the eventual Republican nominee adds further intrigue to the unfolding political drama.

The RNC, responsible for verifying the polling results, has yet to release a comprehensive list of qualifying polls, making it challenging for candidates and the public to track their progress accurately. The final lineup for the second debate is expected to be announced by the RNC mere days before the event.

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With the qualification deadline set for September 25, the coming days will witness a flurry of campaign activity as candidates strive to meet the stringent requirements and solidify their positions in this high-stakes contest. While six candidates are set to grace the stage, the question of whether others, such as North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum and former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, will join them remains unanswered, further intensifying the suspense surrounding this pivotal event in the race for the Republican nomination.