The Democratic Party will hold six debates for Democratic candidates seeking the party's nomination, the Democratic National Committee announced Tuesday.
Four debates have already been determined to be in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina, all of which are early nominating states. The final two locations are still to be determined.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont are the only two candidates who have announced a run. Clinton is the overwhelming favorite to win the nomination.
In a tweet, Clinton said she is "looking forward to a real conversation" but did not specify how many debates she intends to attend.
Former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, who has not yet formally announced a run in the Democratic primary, also weighed in.
"If Governor O'Malley decides to run, we will expect a full, robust, and inclusive set of debates—both nationally and in early primary and caucus states," said O'Malley spokesman Lis Smith. "This has been customary in previous primary seasons. In a year as critical as 2016, exclusivity does no one any favors."
The debates will begin this fall.
- Leigh Ann Caldwell