Under a proposal likely to be approved when the Republican National Committee’s Temporary Standing Committee on Presidential Debates meets next week, GOP presidential candidates would be barred from taking part in debates if they decline to sign a pledge vowing to back the party’s eventual nominee, the Associated Press has reported.
“After the primary, it is imperative to the health and growth of our Republican Party, as well as the country, that we all come together and unite behind our nominee to defeat Joe Biden and the Democrats,” RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel noted in a statement to the AP when questioned about the pledge, according to the outlet.
McDaniel recently won another term as RNC chair, defeating challengers Harmeet Dhillon and Mike Lindell.
Former President Donald Trump officially announced in November 2022 that he is mounting another White House bid.
Earlier this week, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, who served in that role during a portion of Trump’s tenure, threw her hat into the ring with a presidential bid. Haley also previously served as governor of South Carolina.
Other GOP figures may also jump into the Republican presidential race. Former Vice President Mike Pence — who served alongside Trump and has indicated that he is considering a presidential run — said on Wednesday that Haley might face “more company soon” in the presidential race.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has not revealed any presidential aspirations, is widely viewed as a Republican figure who could potentially mount a White House bid.
“All Republicans can agree that Joe Biden has been a disaster for America,” RNC member David Bossie said, according to the AP, which said that Bossie is leading the debate committee. “Therefore, it should be easy for every candidate to pledge unity toward defeating the radical Biden administration.”
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