6 highlights from the second Republican presidential debate

By Ryan Foley, Christian Post Reporter Thursday, September 28, 2023

Republican presidential candidates (L-R), former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Vivek Ramaswamy, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), and former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence participate in the FOX Business Republican Primary Debate at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on September 27, 2023 in Simi Valley, California. | Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Seven Republican candidates faced off for the second presidential primary debate at the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California, Wednesday. For the second time in a row, former President Donald Trump did not attend the debate as he has a commanding lead in the polls.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., former Vice President Mike Pence, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum participated in the debate.

Moderated by Fox News' Dana Perino, Fox Business' Stuart Varney and Univision's Ilia Calderon, the debate touched upon various issues as the candidates sparred over their policy differences and addressed Trump's absence from the event.