The Republican National Committee has added one debate to its primary schedule and authorized an additional one, if necessary.
The GOP presidential candidates will debate in Salt Lake City, Utah, on March 21, which comes one day before voters in Utah, Arizona and American Samoa cast their ballots. The end of March debate would come after half of the delegates have been chosen, meaning the RNC’s debate committee likely expects a long fight still to come for the nomination.
“Debates have played a vital role in our nominating process this cycle,” said Reince Priebus, RNC Chairman, in a statement. “And as this process continues into delegate-rich March, that interest will undoubtedly become more focused and increase. The additional debate in Utah and the possibility of holding one in New York ensures that Republican voters and activists will continue to see our candidates in action. Whether we ultimately face the Clinton machine or Bernie Sanders, the more people see our candidates the better.”
If the 2016 race remains contested into April, the Republican Party will hold a debate in New York City, Donald Trump’s hometown. Much of the GOP field that survives Saturday’s South Carolina primary will turn to Nevada, as the Silver State caucuses for the GOP on Tuesday.
