The stage is set for the second Republican primary debate, which is scheduled to take place on September 27 at 9 p.m. ET at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute in Simi Valley, California. The debate will be moderated by Stuart Varney and Dana Perino from Fox News, along with Ilia Calder??n from Univision. This time around, the Republican presidential hopefuls will have the opportunity to go head-to-head and try to steal the spotlight.

At the first debate in Milwaukee back in August, Vivek Ramaswamy, a political newcomer, dominated the stage. Despite not attending the event, Donald Trump claimed victory after publishing an interview with Tucker Carlson that received over 100 million views. However, this time, with candidates like Ron DeSantis in the mix, the other contenders are determined to make their mark.

California, a traditionally Democratic stronghold, has remained a blue state for decades. Hosting the debate in Simi Valley, situated in this Democratic stronghold, adds an interesting dynamic to the event. Nonetheless, Republican viewers in the US can tune in to Fox Business, Fox News, and Fox Nation to watch the debate live. Additionally, the debate will be livestreamed on Rumble, a popular video-sharing service among conservatives, and on Univision.

Seven candidates have already met the Republican National Committee's qualifications to appear on the debate stage. Notably, former President Donald Trump has insisted that he will not be attending any of the debates, despite easily meeting the requirements. The other candidates who have qualified include Florida governor Ron DeSantis, former UN ambassador Nikki Haley, senator Tim Scott, former vice president Mike Pence, multi-millionaire entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and former New Jersey governor Chris Christie. All candidates must sign a pledge certifying that they will support the eventual Republican nominee, as a condition of participating in the RNC debates.

Instead of attending the debate, Donald Trump is reported to be giving a speech in front of union workers in Detroit. This move aligns with his previous statement that he would not be attending the primary debates, as he believes the public already knows him and his successful presidency. During the last debate, Trump released a pre-recorded interview with Tucker Carlson, further showcasing his alternative approach to the traditional debate format.

To qualify for the second debate, candidates have to meet higher requirements compared to the first debate. They must poll at 3% in two national polls or at 3% in one national poll and 3% in one early state poll from two separate early-voting states recognized by the Republican National Committee. Additionally, candidates must have a minimum of 50,000 unique donors to their principal presidential campaign committee or exploratory committee, with at least 200 unique donors per state or territory in more than 20 states and/or territories.

The list of participants for the second debate has not yet been released by the RNC. However, it is likely that Donald Trump, Vivek Ramaswamy, Ron DeSantis, and Tim Scott will have qualified. Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum appear not to have qualified at this point.

With Stuart Varney, Dana Perino, and Ilia Calder??n moderating the debate, it remains uncertain whether Trump will attend. His absence from the first debate and his remarks about being harassed by candidates who shouldn't be running and a network that isn't friendly suggest that he may skip the second debate as well. Additionally, Trump has not signed the RNC's "loyalty pledge" to support the candidate who wins the Republican nomination, further indicating his distance from the traditional debate process.