Tom Steyer qualified for the January Democratic presidential primary debate with two Fox News polls in South Carolina and Nevada that showed a surge in support and put him ahead of other top-tier contenders.

The billionaire former hedge fund manager-turned-philanthropic activist, 62, joins former Vice President Joe Biden, former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in qualifying for the Jan. 14 debate in Iowa.

Recommended Stories

Poll: Warren moves to clear second behind Biden among 2020 Democrats

Deadline day: 10 candidates, one night of debates, with no Tom Steyer or Tulsi Gabbard

Bernie Sanders vs. Elizabeth Warren and four other things to watch for during the Democratic debate