Democrats finalize 2028 presidential primary calendar ahead of wide-open contest

The Democratic National Committee is gathering in Austin, Texas, to finalize its 2028 presidential primary calendar, frontloading diverse states like South Carolina and Nevada to empower Black and Latino voters. This overhaul displaces Iowa and New Hampshire, sparking local backlash. The changes come amid internal party turmoil, as critics call for the replacement of DNC Chairman Ken Martin over lackluster fundraising that has left the party with $18 million in debt, far behind the GOP's $129 million cash reserves.

2028 Democratic primary calendar

• ▪The proposed 2028 Democratic primary calendar places South Carolina first on January 22, followed by Nevada on February 1, with New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia voting later in February.
• ▪New Hampshire Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan opposed the calendar decision, while state law requires New Hampshire's secretary of state to schedule its primary at least seven days before any other state.
• ▪The Democratic National Committee is gathering in Austin, Texas, during the week of August 13, 2026, to finalize its 2028 presidential primary calendar.
• ▪Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart criticized the calendar decision, stating it was a sign that the Democratic Party is "out of touch with voters."

Early-state diversity emphasis

• ▪The Democratic National Committee's calendar overhaul frontloads states with more diverse populations to give greater influence to Black and Latino voters.
• ▪The proposed calendar cements South Carolina at the start, reflecting a change pushed by former President Joe Biden after the state revived his 2020 campaign.

Progressive versus moderate divide

• ▪Republicans have sought to characterize the Democratic Party as moving too far to the left, capitalizing on high prices and President Donald Trump's sagging approval ratings.
• ▪Democratic primary voters have delivered mixed messages by backing both left-wing and moderate candidates in consequential state primaries, including races in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

DNC leadership criticism

• ▪Some Democratic National Committee members have called for Chairman Ken Martin to be replaced, questioning his leadership decisions and the party's fundraising.
• ▪Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin is not expected to be replaced before the 2026 midterm elections, with members pointing to the winter meeting as the likely time for a leadership change.

Democratic fundraising struggles

• ▪The Republican National Committee reported nearly $129 million cash on hand in its latest Federal Election Commission filing, significantly outpacing Democratic fundraising.
• ▪The Democratic National Committee reported about $16 million cash on hand and more than $18 million in debt in its most recent Federal Election Commission filing.

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