Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg could qualify for the presidential debate stage next month in Nevada, under new criteria released by the Democratic National Committee on Friday.

Bloomberg previously couldn't participate because he is self-funding his campaign and did not meet a donor threshold.

But the DNC is dropping that requirement for the February 19 face-off.

Bloomberg and other Democratic presidential candidates must:

  • Reach 10 percent support in four polls taken between January 15 and February 18
  • Or they can qualify by earning 12 percent support in two polls conducted in Nevada and South Carolina

Bloomberg's campaign has said he would participate in a debate if he qualifies.

His campaign manager released a statement, saying, "We are thrilled that voters could soon have the chance to see Mike Bloomberg on the debate stage, hear his vision for the country, and see why he is the strongest candidate to defeat Donald Trump and bring our country together."

This revised debate criteria was announced as Bloomberg's first federal campaign finance filing revealed an unprecedented $188 million in spending. That figure covers just the first five weeks of his campaign.

Bloomberg has voiced a willingness to sink up to $1 billion of his personal fortune into his quest for the White House.

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ADDITIONAL BLOOMBERG 2020 COVERAGE

Michael Bloomberg Wants Puerto Rico to Be the 51st State

Amid Questions About His Record on Women, Bloomberg Campaigns For Their Votes in Manhattan

Bloomberg Now Backs a $15 Minimum Wage — a Change in Stance

Bloomberg Is a Democrat With a History of Backing Republicans — Including In 2018

What Bloomberg Did — and Didn't Do — When It Came to Taxing Wealthier People

It's Clear Bloomberg's NYC Record is Following Him on the 2020 Campaign Trail

Mike Bloomberg Is Worth About $54B. Is That Actually a Weakness For a Democrat Now?

Bloomberg's Stop-and-Frisk Apology Is a Far Cry From His Defense When He Was Mayor

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