Mike Pence Qualifies for First Republican Presidential Debate

Former vice president becomes eighth candidate to qualify
Campaign is languishing in the polls behind frontrunner Trump

Mike Pence attends a campaign event in Londonderry, New Hampshire, US on Aug. 4.
Photographer: Joseph Prezioso/AFP/Getty Images

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By Stephanie Lai and Gregory Korte

August 8, 2023 at 11:30 AM UTC

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Mike Pence has qualified for the first Republican presidential debate, avoiding the embarrassing scenario of a former vice president failing to make the cut.

Pence acquired the 40,000 donors he needed to get on the stage on August 23 in Milwaukee, his campaign announced Tuesday. He also meets the polling thresholds.