The first Republican presidential debate is quickly approaching, and with it, an early test of the candidates’ viability.
To qualify for the Aug. 23 debate in Milwaukee, a candidate must poll at least 1% in three national polls, or a mix of two national polls and two polls from early-primary states, according to rules set by the Republican National Committee. Candidates must also receive donations from 40,000 donors, including 200 unique donors in 20 states or more.
In addition to the polling and fundraising requirements, the candidates must also take a loyalty pledge in order to participate in the debate. With that pledge, which has been controversial among the candidates, GOP presidential hopefuls must sign a statement that they will support the eventual Republican nominee.
Though the barriers for entry aren’t especially high, some candidates have raised concerns that the addition of a fundraising requirement is too burdensome. All the while, the importance of the event has been called into question as former President Donald Trump, the GOP front-runner, has opted not to attend.
Here’s where the candidates stand:
Candidates Who Met Polling and Fundraising Requirements:
(Julie Bennett/Getty Images)
(Rebecca S. Gratz for The Washington Post via Getty Images)
(Charles Krupa/AP)
Former ambassador to the United Nations, former South Carolina governor
(Alex Brandon/AP)
(Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
Former New Jersey governor
(Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
(Scott Olson/Getty Images)
(Jacquelyn Martin/AP)
(Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Candidates Who Did Not Meet the Polling and Fundraising Thresholds:
