Suarez says he hit 20-state RNC fundraising milestone for first debate

MIAMI (FLV) – Miami Mayor and presidential candidate Francis Suarez has indicated he has hit one of the Republican National Committee’s fundraising marks to qualify for the first presidential debate in August.

Suarez sent out a tweet marking the milestone.

“Today, I’m proud to announce that I’ve met the @GOP’s 20-state fundraising benchmark, putting us one step closer to next month’s debate,” Suarez said.

“Thank you to the Americans in 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands who’ve joined our campaign.”

The RNC has other debate requirements: reaching 1% support in three national polls, along with garnering 40,000 individual donations.

For the polling requirement, candidates could also reach 1% in two national polls and 1% in a statewide poll from Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina or Nevada.

Seven Republican candidates have currently met all of the requirements, including former President Donald Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis.

A national newcomer, Suarez has used some unconventional methods to raise his name ID, including handing out tickets to soccer phenom’s Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami debut for campaign donations.