The Democratic Party has officially begun the process for establishing its 2028 presidential primary calendar, extending invitations to 12 state parties to submit formal bids for hosting early nominating contests.
During a recent party meeting in Puerto Rico, the Democratic National Committee's rules and bylaws panel advanced all 12 state applications to the subsequent round of consideration. These states encompass a mix of traditional early states, such as South Carolina, Iowa, and New Hampshire, alongside key swing states like Georgia and North Carolina.
The party's strategy involves selecting one state from each of its four defined regions to hold an early contest, which will precede Super Tuesday. A potential fifth state, from any region, may also be chosen for this influential early window.
Both Democratic and Republican parties prioritize these early slots due to their significant influence on primary strategies and narratives.
Key party leaders have underscored the importance of updating the nominating calendar, particularly following a volatile 2020 primary and a contentious 2024 schedule.
States Bidding for Early Contests by Region
- Eastern Region: New Hampshire, Delaware
- Midwest Region: Iowa, Michigan, Illinois
- Southern Region: South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia
- Western Region: Nevada, New Mexico
It's important to note that some applicant states, including Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, would necessitate Republican legislative support to legally modify their primary dates. While such changes could significantly benefit these states by attracting increased national attention, Republican lawmakers might oppose them.
In recent years, Democrats and Republicans have diverged on their early nominating calendars. While Republicans largely maintain the historic roles of Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina, Democrats are actively seeking options that better reflect party values and effectively prepare a presidential nominee for the general election.
Party Goals and Evaluation Criteria
Rules and bylaws committee co-chairs Minyon Moore and James Roosevelt Jr. stated that the meeting was a crucial step towards creating a calendar that yields a strong and battle-tested Democratic nominee for 2028.
Party leaders will meticulously evaluate all proposals based on several key criteria. These include the ability to test candidates with key voting blocs, the practicality of implementing the contest, and the states' capacity to efficiently conduct fair nominating contests. Discussions during the meeting also addressed critical issues such as voter file protection and ensuring that communities directly affected by policies have their voices prominently heard.