The first two debates are limited to 10 candidates each
According to the DNC rules, candidates can qualify for the first two debates by either:
Receiving at least 1 percent support in three DNC-approved polls. Those could be in early state polls — Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina or Nevada — or in national polls between the beginning of January 2019 and the two-week mark before the first debate (a candidate could fall short but then qualify for the second debate if they meet the polling threshold two weeks before the July debate).
Receiving donations from at least 65,000 unique donors with a minimum of 200 donors in at least 20 different states.
Each debate will include no more than 10 candidates, chosen at random from the pool of those who qualify. Should more than 20 total candidates qualify, preference will be given to those who meet both criteria for polling and donations.
Rules have not been set for any debates after the first two.
I spoke to a DNC member at our town’s Memorial Day ceremonies. She told me that no more than 16 are likely to qualify for the debates based on current polls and fundraising activity. By the time additional debates come along a half dozen of the 23 will likely have dropped out of the race due to lack of interest or funds.
Today, I received an email from the Female US Sentator from NY asking for contributions from all registered Democrats in my family, as she has not met the polling criteria or fundraising minimums to qualify for the debates.
I hit the delete button.