MILWAUKEE — Just days ahead of the first Republican presidential primary debate ahead of the 2024 election, former President Donald Trump confirmed he won't join fellow Republican candidates in Milwaukee Wednesday night, but Wisconsin Republicans have no doubt his name will come up often.

"[Trump] is the 800-pound gorilla in the room," said Alex Leykin, the Ozaukee County GOP Chairman. "Trump certainly dominates the stage, whether he's there or not."

While much of the debate and the election season might be focused on former President Trump, Leykin said many Wisconsin Republicans will be interested in learning more from Wednesday night's debate, regardless of whether or not they plan to support Trump again next year.

"In all honesty, I want to know how they plan to win," Leykin said. "That's the extent of it — what's their plan for America. I really have no interest in any kind of infighting between any candidates — it's all about whose vision will move Wisconsin and the country forward."

Watch the full interview above.