This debate had a bit of a back story.  It was originally planned to be hosted by NBC News and Telemundo at the University of Houston on Feb. 26, 2016.  However, the RNC was unhappy with the CNBC debate in Boulder, CO on Oct. 28, 2015, charging that it was "conducted in bad faith" (RNC letter to NBC News).  On Jan. 18, 2016 the RNC officially announced cancellation of the partnership with NBC and said that CNN would host the debate on Feb. 25, 2016 in "partnership with Telemundo and conservative partners National Review and Salem Communications."  A few days later National Review was dropped as a partner after it came out with a special issue "Against Trump."


Republican National Committee

January 18, 2016

RNC Officially Cancels NBC As Debate Partner, Names CNN As Host of Texas Debate

WASHINGTON -- Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus released a statement announcing the cancellation of the partnership with NBC for the Republican debate initially scheduled for Friday, February 26, 2016  in Houston, Texas.
 
“The Republican National Committee has decided to move forward without NBC’s participation in the February debate in Houston, Texas. The RNC has awarded the debate to CNN, who will broadcast it on Thursday, February 25 in Houston at a location to be decided. The RNC is ensuring the partnership with Telemundo and conservative partners National Review and Salem Communications will continue as planned.”


University of Houston
October 13, 2015

University of Houston Selected by NBC News and Telemundo to Host ‘Super Tuesday’ Republican Presidential Debate

The University of Houston has been selected by NBC News and Telemundo to host a Republican presidential candidates’ debate on the UH campus Feb. 26, 2016.

The debate, sanctioned by the Republican National Committee, is slated to be the final GOP debate before the crucial "Super Tuesday" primary contests in Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Vermont and Virginia on March 1. Alaska, Minnesota and Wyoming also will award delegates on that same day. All candidates who qualify are expected to participate in the debate, which will be presented in partnership with National Review.

“Diversity is more than our demographics at the University of Houston – it’s our commitment to expression, varied viewpoints, and the belief that challenging the status quo produces the strongest innovation,” said University of Houston System Chancellor and UH President Renu Khator. “This debate comes at a pivotal moment in the election cycle. We’re delighted to host a national conversation with real-life impact on our community and country, and welcome an evening of engaging discourse to our campus.”

Along with the primetime nationwide broadcast by NBC News and Telemundo, there will be extensive pre- and post-debate coverage originating from the UH campus, along with live digital coverage across nbcnews.com and telemundo.com.

Additional event details including debate location, campus programming, activities and logistics will be announced at a later date.

Media contacts (for press inquiries only):

P’nina Topham, University of Houston

Erika Masonhall, VP, NBC News Communications

Camilo Pino, Director of News and Sports Publicity, Telemundo Network,

About the University of Houston
The University of Houston is a Carnegie-designated Tier One public research university recognized by The Princeton Review as one of the nation’s best colleges for undergraduate education. UH serves the globally competitive Houston and Gulf Coast Region by providing world-class faculty, experiential learning and strategic industry partnerships. Located in the nation’s fourth-largest city, UH serves more than 42,700 students in the most ethnically and culturally diverse region in the country.