CNN, ABC to host GOP presidential debates in Iowa and New Hampshire

CNN and ABC News are teaming up to host two Republican presidential primary debates in Iowa and New Hampshire, the first two states in the nation to vote in the 2020 election.

The debates, which will air on a yet-to-be-determined night in late December, will be held in primetime and feature questions from a joint panel of ABC News and CNN correspondents and anchors. In an effort to maximize viewership, local ABC and CNN affiliates across Iowa and New Hampshire will also carry the debates.

The debates are part of the Republican National Committee’s 2020 debate schedule. Other organizations, including Fox News and NBC News are expected to host future debates in different early voting states.

The two debates will also serve as a key part of ABC and CNN’s coverage of the 2020 presidential election cycle. The networks will continue to produce coverage in the lead-up to and on the days of the debates, with exclusive interviews and on-the-ground reporting from Iowa and New Hampshire.