CNN hosts candidates Governor Ron DeSantis and former Ambassador Nikki Haley for the first Republican presidential primary debate live from Drake University in Des Moines, less than one week before Iowa caucus-goers weigh in on the Republican presidential race. To qualify for participation in CNN's Iowa debate, candidates must receive at least 10% in three separate national and/or Iowa polls of Republican caucus-goers or primary voters that meet CNN's standards for reporting. One of the three polls must be an approved CNN poll of likely Iowa Republican caucus-goers.

Former President Donald Trump also qualified for this debate but will not participate. 

The debates in Iowa and New Hampshire are the first contests to kick off the 2024 GOP presidential nomination race. The qualifying window for the Iowa debate closes on January 2, and the New Hampshire debate qualifying period ends on January 16. Candidates who finish in one of the top three positions in the Iowa caucuses will receive an invitation to participate in the New Hampshire debate.

CNN Anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash serve as moderators.