The stage is set for the first Republican debate of the 2024 presidential contest. It's the moment many GOP candidates have been waiting for. Eight hopefuls will take the stage tonight in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the party's first primary debate. Wisconsin is a critical battleground state that former President Donald Trump flipped back in 2016. But the GOP front-runner will not be there after opting out, citing his current lead. Trump is expected to surrender to Georgia authorities on Thursday following his indictment over alleged efforts to overturn the state's 2020 election results. Had the former president participated, nine candidates would've been on stage. Those who have qualified to be on the stage tonight will look to introduce themselves to the nation and talk policy. MORE: https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/politics/desantis-2024-gop-primary-debate-wisconsin/67-3ca49e48-7958-493e-8fed-5e8a71b8a441 ►Subscribe: https://on.wtsp.com/youtube ►Website: https://www.wtsp.com/ ►Facebook: https://facebook.com/10TampaBay ►Twitter: https://twitter.com/10TampaBay