Can’t remember who’s who in the shrinking Republican field? Here’s a quick breakdown.
Vivek Ramaswamy
A biotech entrepreneur and author, Ramaswamy is a political outsider who has enjoyed a meteoric rise since announcing his candidacy in February.
He was the breakout star of the first debate, deploying fiery barbs to upset more seasoned political figures. Ramaswamy has long railed against social justice “woke-ism”, and he has cast himself as the natural successor to Trump, echoing his hardline — and sometimes outlandish — policies.
But his lack of political experience has made him a target, as has his extreme rhetoric.
Nikki Haley
A former South Carolina governor, Haley catapulted into national politics as then-President Trump’s envoy to the United Nations. Her appointment made her the first Indian American woman to serve in a US presidential cabinet.
But Haley has since had to navigate her relationship with the former president on the campaign trail, as she competes for the Republican nomination. She has been, at times, a critic of her former boss, warning against four more years “of chaos, vendettas and drama”.
Many polls show her competing neck-and-neck for second place in the Republican race with Ron DeSantis.
Ron DeSantis
The governor of Florida, the third most populous state in the US, DeSantis has long been considered Trump’s top rival for the Republican nomination.
But the heat behind his campaign has failed to materialise, and he remains a distant second to Trump since his glitch-filled entry into the race.
DeSantis considers his policies in Florida to be a “blueprint” for the rest of the country. They include efforts to lift restrictions on the concealed carry of firearms and limit educational materials on race, gender and sexuality.
Chris Christie
Considered a long shot for entry into tonight’s debate, Christie — a former New Jersey governor — nevertheless cleared the threshold to qualify.
Christie, a former Trump adviser, has since become the former president’s most prominent critic in the Republican field. He has faced criticism, however, for not dropping out and giving a rival candidate a better chance of challenging Trump, the faraway frontrunner.
Learn about all the candidates racing for the presidency in 2024 here.
