Democrats are poised to give final approval to their 2028 presidential primary calendar this week during the Democratic National Committee's summer meeting in Austin, Texas. This decision sets the stage for an open contest to succeed President Donald Trump and reflects an ongoing internal debate about the party's direction, with Democratic voters showing a preference for both progressive and moderate candidates.
The proposed calendar prioritizes states with more diverse populations, a significant shift from the long-standing tradition of Iowa and New Hampshire leading the nominating process. Under the new plan, South Carolina is slated to hold the first primary on January 22, followed by Nevada on February 1. New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia are scheduled to vote later in February.
This overhaul aims to give greater influence to states that better reflect the Democratic Party's coalition, particularly Black and Latino voters. The prominence of South Carolina is a change advocated for by former President Joe Biden, whose 2020 campaign was revitalized by strong support in the state, which has historically been a key test of a candidate's appeal to Black voters.
Officials in Iowa and New Hampshire have expressed disappointment with the decision. Rita Hart, the Iowa Democratic Party chair, stated that the move indicates the party is “out of touch with voters.” Similarly, New Hampshire congressional leaders, including Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan, criticized the calendar change, citing potential conflicts with state law that mandates New Hampshire hold its primary at least seven days before any other state's contest.
Meanwhile, the Republican Party has yet to finalize its calendar but is expected to maintain its traditional lineup, starting with Iowa and New Hampshire.
The Democratic Party's internal dynamics are also marked by discussions surrounding the leadership of DNC Chairman Ken Martin. Critics have raised concerns about his decision-making and the party's fundraising efforts, which reportedly lag significantly behind Republicans ahead of crucial midterm elections. The DNC reported approximately $16 million in cash on hand and over $18 million in debt, in contrast to the Republican Party's nearly $129 million in cash on hand. While a change in DNC leadership is not anticipated before the November midterms due to a lack of clear alternatives, speculation suggests a potential leadership transition could occur at the DNC's winter meeting after the elections and before the 2028 primary season intensifies.
Democratic primaries in states like Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin have already provided a testing ground for the party's direction, highlighting a division between progressive and moderate factions. As Republicans contend with economic issues and President Trump's approval ratings, they have sought to portray the Democratic Party as moving too far left.