CNN will hold a televised presidential debate at Drake University in Des Moines on Jan. 10, less than a week before the Iowa Republican caucuses on Jan. 15.
The event is the first debate in Iowa since 2020 and is not sanctioned by national Republicans.
However, CNN reports that national Republicans are expected to announce requirements that will prevent candidates from participating in non-sanctioned debates.
To participate in CNN’s debate, candidates must have 10 percent in three separate national or Iowa polls that meet CNN’s reporting requirements. One of the three must be an Iowa-based poll approved by CNN.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis confirmed in a social media post on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he would be attending the televised debate.
Former President Donald Trump has been absent from the four GOP-sanctioned debates, and an adviser to his campaign confirmed Trump would not be attending the CNN debate at the New York Times.
The most recent Iowa poll and national averages of other polls reveal that DeSantis, Trump, and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley have qualified for the debate under CNN’s rules.
Candidates took to the debate stage on Wednesday for the fourth Republican primary debate. The debate moderated by NewsNation hosted presidential hopefuls DeSantis, Haley, Ohio businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.
Moderators for the debate have yet to be announced.
