DeSantis and Ramaswamy back the RNC pledge for the 2024 GOP nominee; Trump’s stance is yet to be determined.

Two Republican contenders, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, have both endorsed a commitment aimed at ensuring unity within the party for the 2024 presidential race. This pledge requires them to back the Republican nominee for the upcoming election and exclusively participate in debates sanctioned by the Republican National Committee (RNC). The RNC’s intention behind this pledge is to prevent internal divisions and concentrate efforts on defeating President Joe Biden.

Ramaswamy was the first to affix his signature to the “Beat Biden Pledge,” as reported by the Washington Post on Tuesday. DeSantis followed suit, posting a photo of his signed pledge on Wednesday via his campaign’s Twitter account. His tweet hinted at his participation in the inaugural presidential primary debate scheduled for August 23 in Milwaukee.

Excerpts from the pledge were shared in DeSantis’s tweet, affirming that signatories acknowledge the stipulation that they won’t partake in non-RNC-sanctioned debates. Furthermore, the commitment underscores their promise to support the primary winner if they fail to secure the nomination and to abstain from running as an independent or representing any other party.

Both the candidate and RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel signed the pledge. McDaniel’s decision to introduce this commitment in April aimed to preempt any potential challenges or defections from the 2024 Republican nominee.

However, former President Donald Trump, who is currently leading the GOP polls for 2024, has not committed to signing the pledge or attending RNC-sanctioned debates. In a February interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, Trump suggested his support for the nominee would hinge on the nominee’s identity.

To qualify for the debates, candidates must fulfil specific RNC-set criteria related to polling and fundraising. They must also sign the pledge at least 48 hours before the debate. The second debate is scheduled for September 27.