RNC allows Republican candidates to participate in unsanctioned debates

The Republican National Committee revealed Friday it will allow candidates for the 2024 Republican nomination to participate in debates and forums that aren’t sanctioned by the committee.

In a statement, the RNC’s Committee on Presidential Debates said, “We have held four successful debates across the country with the most conservative partners in the history of a Republican primary. We have no RNC debates scheduled in January and any debates currently scheduled are not affiliated with the RNC. It is now time for Republican primary voters to decide who will be our next President and candidates are free to use any forum or format to communicate to voters as they see fit.”

A THIRD KOCH-BACKED AFP ACTION STAFFER JOINS DESANTIS SUPER PAC AFTER HALEY ENDORSEMENT

The RNC noted the decision comes as almost all of the candidates on the Alabama debate stage Wednesday had requested such a change.

Following the fourth RNC primary debate Wednesday, two news networks quickly announced planned debates in Iowa and New Hampshire before the primary and caucuses.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

While the committee was expected to lift the exclusivity requirement with candidates, the announcements from CNN and ABC came before the decision was made. Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) immediately agreed Thursday to attend both events, undercutting the RNC’s perceived control over the process.

This story is developing.