Learn more about the major milestones, turning points, debates and primaries in the 2016 presidential election cycle. Click through the phases of the campaign below. Some dates are subject to change. Show first phase

Introductions and Debates:

The candidates have built their campaign staffs and fundraising networks. Now it’s time to meet the voters. Candidates focus their personal appearances on the states that vote earliest—Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina—and try to build national followings through the party-sanctioned televised debates.