Former first lady Nancy Reagan is extending invitations to 16 presidential candidates for a CNN/Reagan Library presidential debate Sept. 16.
According to
CNN, the candidates must have an average of at least 1 percent support in three recognized national polls by Sept. 10 in order to qualify to participate.
Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore, the most recent candidate to announce his bid, has not yet been invited.
The event will be structured in two back-to-back debates with two groups of candidates. One segment will host the top 10 candidates while the second segment will host the remaining candidates who have achieved at least 1 percent in the polls.
"Debates are a crucial part of the election process, and I'm thrilled that so many qualified candidates have the opportunity to be heard at the Reagan Presidential Library," Reagan said in a press release, according to CNN.
Jake Tapper, CNN's "State of the Union" anchor and chief Washington correspondent, will moderate both forums at the Air Force One Pavilion at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.