The first Republican Party presidential primary is just 3.5 months away—and on Wednesday, many of the top candidates will gather once again to woo voters. It is, for some, a chance to have a breakout moment after a less than stellar showing last month. Others, meanwhile, hope to capitalize on growing momentum.
None, however, will be able to face off against frontrunner Donald Trump, who has once again said he does not plan to show up. (His absence at the first debate did not impact Trump’s poll numbers in any significant way.)
The stage will host fewer candidates this time around, as new eligibility rules are in effect. And, before being allowed into the debate, candidates were also required to sign a pledge in which they agree to support the eventual Republican presidential nominee.
As such, it’s unlikely you’ll see many candidates criticize Trump or his recent indictments. The focus, instead, could be on winnowing the field, which could mean they focus their attacks on each other instead (along with the expected barbs at the Biden administration).
Got questions about the debate? We've got answers.
When is the second Republican primary debate?
The debate will be held Wednesday Sept. 27 at 9:00 p.m. ET.
Who is hosting the first Republican debate?
Fox Business is hosting this debate and will simulcast it on a variety of platforms, including Univision.
How long will the first Republican debate last?
The debate is scheduled to last approximately two hours.
Can I watch the Republican debate for free if I don't have cable?
It’s unlikely. There are no plans to simulcast the event on Fox’s broadcast network. That means you won’t be able to watch with a HD antenna. Your best bet is either via FoxNews.com or utilizing one of the streaming services below with a free trial.
How can I stream the Republican debate online if I don't have a cable subscription?
If you don't have a cable subscription, the Republican debates will also be airing on FoxNews.com as well as the Fox Nation streaming service and Fox News Audio.
The RNC also plans to livestream the debate on Rumble, a video-sharing service that’s popular with conservatives.
Additionally, there are a number of online streaming optionsto choose from. These include:
Disney+
Disney's bundle of Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ no longer has a free trial, so you’ll have to pay $13 per month for all three combined (or $19.99 per month for no ads on Hulu). Keep in mind that starting Oct. 1, the prices will increase to $15 and $25.
Including Live TV in the bundle bumps the price to $70 per month ($76 with no ads). In October, that jumps to $77 for the ad-supported plan and $90 for commercial free.
Hulu with Live TV
The free trial on this service is no longer offered, as well. It will cost you $70 per month, until October 1, when the price increases to $77.
YouTubeTV
After up to a two-week trial, you can expect monthly charges of $73. YouTube is also now the home of Sunday Ticket. Prices on that service currently range from $300 to $439 for the season, with the current discounts.
Sling TV
Dish Network's Sling lower-tiered "Orange" plan will run you $40 per month. Adding the more comprehensive "Blue" plan bumps the cost to $55 per month. The seven-day free trial has disappeared, but the cord-cutting service is offering 50% off of the first month’s bill.
DirecTV Stream
Formerly known as DirecTV Now, AT&T TVNow and AT&T TV, this oft-renamed streaming service will run you $75 per month and up after the free trial option.
Fubo TV
This sports-focused cord-cutting service carries Fox News. There's a seven-day free trial, followed by monthly charges of $75 and up, depending on the channels you choose.
Which candidates will be on stage?
There will be fewer candidates on the stage this time, as the qualifying rules were more stringent. Former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, who was at last month’s debate, did not make the cut. Here’s who that leaves behind the podiums:
- North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum
- former Gov. Chris Christie (New Jersey)
- Ron DeSantis (Florida)
- former Gov. Nikki Haley (South Carolina)
- former Vice President Mike Pence
- Vivek Ramaswamy, entrepreneur
- Senator Tim Scott (South Carolina)
Which candidates won't be at the Republican primary debates?
The candidates who will not be on the stage include:
- former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson
- Michigan businessman Perry Johnson
- Miami Mayor Francis Suarez
- Former Texas Rep. Will Hurd
- Conservative radio host Larry Elder
Where is Donald Trump?
The former president easily qualified for the debate, since he is the Republican frontrunner, but is once again not planning on attending. Instead, he will hold a rival event, speaking to autoworkers in Detroit at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Who is moderating the Republican debate?
The debate will be moderated by Stuart Varney and Dana Perino from Fox and Ilia Calderón from Univision.
When is the next Republican debate?
The third debate among Republican candidates will be held in early November in Miami, Fla. The Republican National Committee has not yet given specific dates or venue information. Nor has it announced which network will host it.
