GOP rivals face off tonight: Republican presidential candidates are preparing to take the stage in Milwaukee tonight for the 2024 campaign's first primary debate, which will air at 9 p.m. ET

Eight Republicans have qualified for the debate. They had to meet several criteria to qualify, including polling and fundraising requirements, as well as sign a pledge to support the eventual Republican nominee. 

Former President Donald rump – the current GOP front-runner in national and early-state polls – is not planning to participate in the debate but his growing legal challenges are expected to be a key topic.

The rump has been indicted in four separate criminal cases, and tonight's debate comes on the eve of his expected surrender in the Georgia 2020 election subversion case.