DeSantis committed to attending GOP primary debate, regardless of Trump’s intentions.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Confirms Participation in Presidential Primary Debate

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced his intention to participate in the upcoming Republican presidential primary debate, regardless of whether former President Donald Trump joins him on stage.

During an interview on Fox News, DeSantis expressed his commitment, stating, “I’ll be there regardless. I hope everybody who’s eligible comes. I think it’s an important part of the process and I look forward to being able to be on the stage and introducing our candidacy and our vision and our leadership to a wide audience.”

The governor’s decision comes after Trump hinted at his potential absence from the first debate, scheduled to be hosted by Fox News on Aug. 23 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Trump suggested that Fox News wants him to attend for ratings, but he sees no need given his current lead in the polls.

In February, the Republican National Committee implemented a loyalty pledge for 2024 candidates to qualify for the first primary debate. Trump has expressed reluctance towards committing to such a requirement, stating that it would depend on the eventual nominee.

When asked about his support for Trump as the Republican nominee, DeSantis did not provide a direct answer. Instead, he criticized Trump for his changing stance on Florida’s COVID-19 response.

DeSantis’s comments on Fox News indicate that he may not be prepared to support Trump or any other Republican candidate if he is not the eventual nominee.

DeSantis’s Position in the 2024 Race

DeSantis has consistently ranked as the second-place candidate in GOP primary polling.

According to RealClearPolitics, DeSantis currently holds a base of support at 20.9 percent.