States Compete for Early Spot in 2028 Primaries

By Arit John, Ethan Cohen, CNN

(CNN) – The Democrats are beginning to organize their presidential primary calendar for 2028 this month, as 12 states have put in applications to take the lead.

For many years, Democrats followed a schedule similar to that of Republicans, with the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primaries kicking off the nomination process. Following the chaotic Iowa Democratic caucuses in 2020 and increasing demands for diversity among early voting states, Democrats adopted a revised schedule chosen by President Joe Biden that positioned South Carolina as the first primary state while reducing New Hampshire’s status, elevating Michigan and Georgia, and removing Iowa from the early lineup.

With no Democratic president currently in office and an open primary for 2028 on the horizon, numerous potential candidates are eager to strategize based on which states will be prioritized.

The Democratic National Committee’s rules and bylaws panel has indicated that it will evaluate states according to three key factors: rigor, fairness, and efficiency. In applications reviewed by CNN, state Democratic parties aimed to demonstrate how holding an early primary in their state would assess and equip candidates to engage a varied voter base; whether the state’s size or media market expenses would be fair to smaller campaigns; and if they could collaborate with state leaders to adjust their primary dates.

The party is still at the initial stage of selecting states. Members of the DNC’s rules and bylaws panel will convene at the end of this month to begin reviewing these applications.

Here’s how each of the 12 aspiring early-state candidates is making their case:

East region

The Democrats in New Hampshire have held a leading position in setting nominating calendars for over a century and are actively seeking to reclaim their official first-in-the-nation status. The party contends that it should go first not simply due to tradition but because New Hampshire is a small swing state that effectively tests candidates’ appeal among independents.

“Every general election candidate in New Hampshire knows you have to win Independents to win your election,” the party wrote. “And each primary candidate knows attracting Independents to vote in the Democratic primary is just as important as attracting steadfast and devoted Democrats.”

The Granite State Democrats also pointed out that although they aren’t racially diverse-about 87.6% of residents are White-they noted that Black, Latino, and Asian American communities are contributing significantly to population growth within the state.

The Delaware Democrats claimed in their application that they boast a more diverse population than New Hampshire due to its notable Black community along with growing Asian American and Latino populations.

Midwest region

Iowa Democrats are advocating for reinstatement after losing their early window slot in 2024 by highlighting their role in promoting lesser-known candidates like former presidents Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama. They argue that holding caucuses during this time frame would help Iowa regain its status as a competitive swing state.

“Change is coming to Iowa in 2026, and as long as national Democrats don’t ignore us, our state will remain competitive and serve as a prime opportunity for critical victories for our party in the general election,” Iowa Democrats wrote.

Iowa’s history was emphasized by its delegates while Illinois and Michigan focused on diversity. Michigan Democrats stated they represent “a microcosm of Democratic Demographics,” whereas Illinois officials described their state as “an amalgamation of America,” reflecting various socioeconomic backgrounds across ethnicities.

Additonally, Michigan Democrats argued any time spent campaigning there would yield returns during general elections due its battleground status.

South region

The South Carolina Democratic Party seeks retention of its first-in-the-nation designation obtained recently. The argument presented includes having a substantial Black population essential for supporting coalition-building alongside rural areas plus military communities-all backed up by historical patterns favoring nominees who win here. Under local law governing primaries allows them freedom regarding scheduling choices made accordingly based upon needs found locally.

This contrasts Virginia’s emphasis regarding both demographic variety present within boundaries ranging from urban centers down south into rural zones filled with farms yet equally populated towns where soldiers call home too!

A few southern applicants-North Carolina & Tennessee-would need approval from GOP-led legislatures willing enough cooperate about changing dates selected previously held onto them already established before others could potentially join hands collaboratively thus raising visibility matters further surrounding them collectively speaking amongst fellow constituents nearby while simultaneously demonstrating renewed interest shown towards ongoing support initiatives within Southern regions too!

Tennessee Dems summed it perfectly stating simply what kind of voice deserves attention now noting simply “The South has something powerful say.”

West region

Nevada plus New Mexico claim immense Latino demographics signify prime spots deserve priority openings ahead resulting influential early stages happening soon enough next cycle! Herein lies persuasive arguments given presenting challenges faced regarding border policies needing real-life context rather than vague discussions alone relying heavily abstraction only!

Nevada builds strong cases citing unionization strength throughout increasing Latino citizenry present coupled importance seen clearly offering impactful battlegrounds alike between same-time needing regain minority affiliations back accompanying working-class enthusiasts heading closer towards upcoming elections placing heavy weight overall choice selection process taken place beforehand! “We cannot afford overwhelmingly college-educated whites.. less competitive.”

The-CNN-Wire
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