MILWAUKEE — It’s showtime for the Republican presidential candidates − most of them, anyway.
While frontrunner Donald Trump is absent, a field of eight GOP challengers will gather in Milwaukee on Wednesday for the first primary debate of the 2024 election cycle.
The televised event offers a chance for Republican voters to consider the White House hopefuls side-by-side as they pitch their visions for the country. But the elephant-not-in-the-room is Trump, the GOP frontrunner, who said he skipped the debate because he has such a big lead in the polls.
It’s not clear how Trump’s Republican rivals will respond − or if they’ll try not to acknowledge him at all, but instead go after each other and Democratic President Joe Biden.
The USA TODAY Network’s team of reporters will be providing live updates from Milwaukee and reactions from crucial early voting states. Check back here for everything you need to know before the first Republican debate.
Why is the debate being held in Milwaukee?
The debate will take place at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin is one of several swing states that could decide the presidency in 2024. Out of the last six presidential elections, four have been decided by less than one percentage point in Wisconsin.
The debate will be held ahead of the Republican National Convention, which is also set to take place in the city next year.
– Rachel Looker
How can you watch the debate?
The first Republican primary debate is scheduled for Wednesday at 9 p.m. Eastern.
The debate, hosted by Fox News, will air on Fox News Channel as well as Fox Business Network. It will also be streamed at foxnews.com and on the streaming service Fox National as well as on Rumble, an online streaming platform.
– Rachel Looker
Which candidates will take the debate stage?
The Republican National Committee formally announced that eight GOP candidates will take the debate stage Wednesday.
– Rachel Looker, David Jackson
What time is the debate?
The debate is scheduled for 9 p.m. Eastern time. It’s set to last two hours until 11 p.m. Eastern time.
– Rachel Looker
