The first Republican presidential debate is taking place this evening in Milwaukee. Eight candidates will take the stage: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former Vice President Mike Pence, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum and former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson. Front-runner Trump opted to skip the debate, citing his lead in the polls. Trump has also refused to sign an RNC pledge to support the eventual Republican nominee.