Republican Presidential Debate 2016: Start Time, TV Channel, Radio Info For CNN Event In Miami

The four remaining Republican presidential contenders will take to the debate stage Thursday evening for a debate in Miami. The event will be hosted by CNN, Salem Media Group, the Washington Times and the Republican National Committee, and it will air on CNN.

The debate comes after votes in four states Tuesday and ahead of primaries in Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, Missouri and Ohio. It’s set to begin at 8:30 p.m. EST. Real-estate mogul Donald Trump, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Ohio Gov. John Kasich are expected to participate.

CNN’s Jake Tapper will moderate the debate. Dana Bash, also with CNN, and hosts from Salem Media Group and the Washington Times will also ask questions, CNN reported. It will be broadcast live on CNN and will be available by live-stream on CNN’s website. Salem Radio Network will air the debate on its radio station.

Trump, who has maintained a steady lead nationally throughout the nomination process, has gathered 446 delegates, while his closest rival, Cruz, has 337. Rubio and Kasich, who have struggled to build excitement around their campaigns, trail behind.

Trump is known for his low and sometimes comical jabs at opponents during debates. Defying predictions that his popularity would ultimately wane, he has remained a strong contender in the race and is the likely nominee. In recent weeks, Rubio and Cruz have aggressively challenged the candidate on his business and political record. Both have sought to prove themselves as the most viable option against Trump.

On the Democratic side of the race, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton maintains a sharp lead ahead of Sanders, but the self-proclaimed democratic socialist has surprised many with his successes. On Tuesday, he won an unexpected victory in Michigan, while Clinton won in Mississippi.