In a significant development in the run-up to the 2024 Republican presidential primaries, CNN has announced that candidates Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley will be participating in live town halls next month. These events will be held in Iowa, a pivotal state in the primary election calendar, and will take place at Grand View University in Des Moines on January 4.
The timing of these town halls is crucial, as they are scheduled just 11 days before the Iowa polls. The outcomes of these early state primaries often set the tone for the rest of the campaign, making these town halls a potential turning point for the candidates.
Moderators and Format
CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins will moderate the town hall with DeSantis at 9 p.m. ET, followed by Erin Burnett who will moderate the town hall with Haley at 10 p.m. ET. Both candidates will answer questions posed by the moderators as well as from an audience comprising Iowa voters who have expressed their intention to vote in the Iowa Republican caucuses.
Current Standings
Despite former President Donald Trump’s significant lead in national and state polling for the Republican presidential nomination, DeSantis and Haley are in a tight race to emerge as the top alternative. DeSantis currently serves as the governor of Florida, while Haley, the former South Carolina governor, served as the US ambassador to the United Nations for nearly two years during the Trump administration.
Upcoming Events
This event is part of CNN’s ongoing series of Republican presidential town halls for the 2024 cycle. The network has also announced plans to host two Republican presidential primary debates next month in Iowa and New Hampshire. The Iowa debate, scheduled for January 10, will be moderated by CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash.
How to Watch
The town halls will be streamed live on CNN Max and will be available to pay TV subscribers via CNN.com, CNN connected TV, and mobile apps. Additionally, the town halls will be available On Demand starting from Friday, January 5 for pay TV subscribers via CNN.com, CNN apps, and Cable Operator Platforms.