At least six states have thrown their hats into the ring, hoping to secure a coveted early spot in the Democratic Party’s 2028 presidential primary calendar. This marks the beginning of what is shaping up to be a fiercely contested race to influence the sequence of the primary elections.

Historically significant states in the Democratic primaries, such as New Hampshire, Nevada, South Carolina, and Michigan, are once again in the mix, each backed by their respective state parties. Notably, Iowa is attempting a comeback after being excluded from the early lineup in the previous cycle. Georgia has also submitted an application, while Virginia and North Carolina are reportedly considering joining the fray, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The lineup and order of the states in the presidential nominating calendar are crucial as they dictate the strategic decisions presidential candidates must make—such as where to allocate staff and resources. The impact of these decisions reverberates through the campaign strategies and can significantly influence the outcome of the primaries.

“The day after the 2026 midterms, people are going to launch into action, so the window needs to be set,” stated Jay Parmley, executive director of the South Carolina Democratic Party, highlighting the urgency and the high stakes involved.

The DNC’s Rules and Bylaws Committee is slated to narrow down the list of applicant states at a meeting scheduled for January 31. The states will then present their cases in the spring, with a final decision expected by August, although timelines could change.

The reshuffling of the primary calendar began in earnest following the problematic 2020 Iowa caucuses and concerns over the lack of racial diversity in the early voting states. Former President Joe Biden’s adjustments to the 2024 primary order were part of these ongoing efforts to better reflect the party's demographic and strategic interests.

DNC officials have emphasized the importance of geographic and racial diversity, cost-effectiveness for campaigns, and the competitiveness of states in the general election as key criteria for the selection process. Curtis Hertel, chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, argued, “The early states should be swing states. The investments we’re making on the ground [in the primary] are beneficial to the general.”

While some states like Iowa, Michigan, and Georgia are eager to either regain or gain entry into the early window, others, including Nevada, New Hampshire, and South Carolina, are jockeying for the prestigious first-place position. The internal dynamics and external pressures promise a complex deliberation process for the DNC.

“We are committed to running a rigorous, efficient, and fair process that will deliver the strongest presidential nominee for our party,” assured RBC Co-chairs Jim Roosevelt and Minyon Moore, setting the stage for what will undoubtedly be a critical decision-making process in shaping the future of the Democratic primary landscape.