The first 2024 Republican presidential primary date takes place on Wednesday, Aug. 23. Here are all the details on how to watch the event live on cable news including streaming options.
First Republican Primary Debate (Fox News)
Time: 9 pm – 11 pm ET (2 hours)
Live Stream: Watch Here
Location: Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Tickets: Debate Ticket Info
Sponsor: Fox News
Moderators: Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum
Qualified Candidates:
- Donald Trump (not attending)
- Ron DeSantis
- Vivek Ramaswamy
- Nikki Haley
- Tim Scott
- Chris Christie
- Doug Burgum
- Mike Pence
- Asa Hutchinson
Qualifying Standards:
- 1% or above in three national polls or two national polls and state poll
- Have at least 40,000 contributors nationally with at least 200 unique donors per state in 20+ states/territories
Watch on Cable/Satellite/Streaming
Fox News Channel will broadcast the event, with live coverage starting at 8 p.m. ET — an hour before the debate itself — and running past midnight. The debate begins promptly at 9 pm ET and will run approximately two hours.
Time: 9 pm ET (8 pm CT, 7 pm MT, 6 pm PT)
Cable/Satellite/Live TV: Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network
Streaming: Watch here or visit foxnews.com or rumble.com
The debate will not be carried on YouTube or other video streaming platforms since the RNC is in an exclusive relationship with Rumble as a new media streaming debate partner.
What about Donald Trump?
Trump plans to skip the debate and will instead appear in a recorded interview with the former Fox News host Tucker Carlson. They plan to post the interview on X (formerly known as Twitter), to run alongside the debate.
Where is the debate taking place?
Candidates will be on stage at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, the biggest city in Wisconsin, a battleground state that will also play host to the Republican National Convention next year.
Wisconsin has proven its importance as a swing state in recent election cycles. Four of the past six presidential elections have been decided by less than a percentage point there, with Trump winning narrowly in 2016.
Which candidates will be there?
The RNC confirmed Monday which candidates will be on the Milwaukee debate stage. The party set several markers that candidates needed to meet to qualify, including achieving benchmarks in polling and donor numbers, as well as signing a pledge to support the eventual Republican nominee.
Those expected to be on the stage are Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former Vice President Mike Pence, ex-New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson.
What about the second debate?
A second debate has been announced for Sept. 27 in California. Follow the 2024 debate schedule for full details and to stay informed on upcoming events.
