Johnson has said making it onto the debate stage is the only way for him to be at all competitive as a presidential candidate. | AP Photo Gary Johnson doesn't qualify for final 2016 presidential debate

Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson did not qualify for the final general election presidential debate of the 2016 cycle.

The Commission on Presidential Debates announced Friday that both Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican nominee Donald Trump had been invited to the debate. Johnson and Green Party nominee Jill Stein were not invited. Both Clinton and Trump met the 15 percent polling threshold to qualify. Johnson and Stein did not.


According to the national polls used to decide which candidate qualifies for the debates, Johnson is currently polling at 7 percent. Clinton is polling at 45.8 percent and Trump is polling at 40.4 percent

"Accordingly, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump qualify to participate in the October 19 debate. No other candidates satisfied the criteria for inclusion in the October 19 debate," the Commission on Presidential Debates stated.

Johnson has said making it onto the debate stage is the only way for him to be at all competitive as a presidential candidate. He has not qualified for a single general election debate this cycle.

Asked if the campaign would continue in light of Johnson not getting onto the debate stage, multiple Johnson campaign officials said Johnson would continue to run for president.

"Yes," Johnson campaign manager Ron Nielson said in a text message when asked if Johnson would stay in the race.