CNN to host Iowa and New Hampshire primary debates in January

NEW YORK – CNN announced it will host two additional Republican presidential primary debates in Iowa and New Hampshire next month.

The outlet said the first debate will be in Des Moines, Iowa on Jan. 10, 2024, hosted at Drake University.

That debate takes place just a few days before the Iowa caucuses on Jan. 15.

Soon after, CNN will host another debate at St. Anselm College in Goffstown, New Hampshire on Jan. 21.

The New Hampshire primary then takes place two days later on Jan. 23.

During Wednesday’s fourth Republican debate on NewsNation, just four candidates qualified to participate.

CNN outlined the following debate requirements for each candidate to meet.

Iowa: Candidates need at least 10% in three separate national and/or Iowa polls of GOP caucus-goers meeting CNN’s standards, one of which must be an “approved CNN poll.” The qualifying window closes Jan. 2.

New Hampshire: Candidates need at least 10% in three separate national and/or New Hampshire polls of GOP primary voters meeting CNN’s standards, one of which must be an “approved CNN poll.” Additionally, any candidate who places in the top three during the prior Iowa caucuses will be invited. The qualifying window closes Jan. 16.

Gov. Ron DeSantis, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy qualified for the prior debate.

Under current polling averages, all of the candidates except Christie and Ramaswamy average at or above 10%. However, as CNN noted, only a few approved polls are required for entry.