At least six states have submitted applications to hold early contests in the 2028 Democratic presidential primary, igniting a competition for influential spots on the nominating calendar. Traditional early states like New Hampshire, Nevada, South Carolina, and Michigan are reapplying, joined by Iowa and Georgia. The deadline for applications falls on Friday, with the Democratic National Committee set to evaluate them soon after.
The battle for primacy in the 2028 Democratic presidential primary has begun, as states rush to secure positions in the early voting window. New Hampshire, Nevada, South Carolina, and Michigan—key players from the 2024 calendar—are seeking to return, despite shifts ordered by the Democratic National Committee. Iowa aims to reclaim its role after exclusion in 2020 due to logistical failures and diversity concerns, while Georgia makes its first bid for early status.
Virginia and North Carolina are weighing applications before the Friday deadline, sources close to their parties indicate. The DNC's Rules and Bylaws Committee will review submissions at its January 31 meeting, narrowing the list before inviting state presentations in the spring. A final decision could come by summer, with a full DNC vote in August 2026.
This process revives changes initiated in 2022, when President Joe Biden prioritized South Carolina first to better reflect the party's diversity, demoting Iowa and incorporating Michigan. The DNC now seeks representation from all four U.S. regions, plus possibly one more state before Super Tuesday, focusing on racial and geographic diversity, affordability for candidates, and general election viability.
"The early states should be swing states," argued Curtis Hertel, Michigan Democratic Party chair, noting benefits for broader campaigns. South Carolina's Jay Parmley emphasized urgency: "The day after the 2026 midterms, people are going to launch into action, so the window needs to be set."
Georgia faces hurdles without Democratic control of its government but remains optimistic. "Even if there is a Republican [governor], Republicans in the past have very much wanted theirs to be earlier as well," said party chair Charlie Bailey. Nevada has lobbied aggressively, while New Hampshire bolsters its case beyond tradition.
South Carolina hopes to retain its lead spot, though Parmley added, "Our hope is that we maintain the position, but, of course, we’ll fully respect the decision and wishes of the RBC, even if we are unhappy."
Rules and Bylaws Committee co-chairs Jim Roosevelt and Minyon Moore affirmed: "The Rules and Bylaws Committee is committed to running a rigorous, efficient, and fair process that will deliver the strongest presidential nominee for our party."
