DETROIT, MI – Former president Donald Trump has elected to forgo the California-based Republican primary debate scheduled for Sept. 27. Instead, Trump will be delivering an address in Detroit, Michigan, on the same night, according to campaign representatives.

The exact timing and audience for Trump’s planned address in Detroit have not been released. However, the engagement may garner considerable attention due to the recent activities of United Auto Workers members in nearby areas. These unionized workers have been conducting strikes, demanding higher wages, better schedules, and improved benefits.

With Trump currently leading the Republican presidential candidate field, he did not participate in the first GOP debate either. Previously, the former president explained that he chose to miss the debates because of his high poll standings and the attention he has already garnered. Instead of attending the debate, he opted for a primetime interview with Tucker Carlson.

The second Republican primary debate is set to take place at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, with Stuart Varney and Dana Perino from Fox News and Univision’s Ilia Calderón moderating the event. The requirements to qualify for the debate include reaching a minimum threshold in polling numbers and campaign donors.

Candidate qualifications for the second debate have not been verified by the Republican National Committee yet. Likely candidates meeting the standards include entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former U.N. ambassador and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former Vice President Mike Pence, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott. Asa Hutchinson, the former governor of Arkansas, and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, appear not yet to have achieved the necessary qualifications.

In terms of popular support, recent polling from CBS News indicates a close race between Trump and current President Biden putting Trump slightly ahead at 50% over Biden’s 49%.