The Democratic National Committee has officially set the early-state lineup for the 2028 presidential nominating contest, approving a six-state calendar that party leaders say will better reflect the party's diversity and strengthen its chances of retaking the White House.
Over the weekend, the DNC's Rules and Bylaws Committee—expanded under reforms by Chair Ken Martin—voted to place South Carolina, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia in the early window. Co-chairs Minyon Moore and Jim Roosevelt framed the decision as a product of ten months of open meetings and public deliberation, and as a historic shift from previous cycles.
“This calendar puts Democrats in the best position possible to win back the White House in 2028,” Moore and Roosevelt said in a joint statement. They argued the lineup rigorously tests candidates across key battlegrounds and a diverse electorate while keeping the contest affordable for lesser-known contenders.
The inclusion of Nevada, New Hampshire, Michigan, and Virginia—all states that could be competitive in the general election—means candidates will have to prove themselves to swing voters early. South Carolina and New Mexico add diversity and down-ballot competitiveness, with South Carolina's large Black electorate playing a pivotal role, especially in the wake of recent rulings that have enabled racial gerrymandering in some states.
Moore and Roosevelt emphasized that the calendar amplifies Black voters, a cornerstone of the Democratic base, and recognizes the growing political weight of the South and Sun Belt ahead of the next census. They also stressed that the early states are chosen for their track records of fair, transparent contests and manageable media markets, ensuring that candidates aren't priced out before the race truly begins.
The committee's expanded membership—for the first time, members were selected by DNC caucuses and councils—was designed to bring more voices into the process. “Because this was the most representative Rules and Bylaws Committee in our history, it produced the most diverse early-state calendar in our history,” the co-chairs said.
Political analysts note that the calendar could shape the 2028 race, giving early momentum to candidates who perform well in these states. It also comes as Democrats are rebuilding their electoral strategy, with recent polls showing the party with an edge in midterm congressional races and a focus on issues like affordability and faith outreach.
The DNC's move is part of a broader effort to make the primary process more inclusive and competitive, following criticism in past cycles that early states like Iowa and New Hampshire didn't reflect the party's diversity. The new calendar drops Iowa and New Hampshire's traditional lead-off status, replacing them with a more geographically and demographically varied set of contests.
Moore and Roosevelt concluded that the calendar will strengthen the party by welcoming millions of Americans into the process. “Our eventual nominee will enter the general election in the best position to unite our coalition and to compete in every part of the country,” they said, adding that when Democrats flip the White House in 2028, it will be because of the work done now.
