DNC Chair Ken Martin Pushes 49-Member Panel to Set 2028 Primary Slate Now
Updated
Updated · Washington Examiner · Jul 23
DNC Chair Ken Martin Pushes 49-Member Panel to Set 2028 Primary Slate Now
2 articles · Updated · Washington Examiner · Jul 23
Summary
Martin pressed the Rules and Bylaws Committee to choose four or five early-voting states this week so the full DNC can ratify the 2028 calendar at its Austin meeting next month.
A delay could push approval into early 2027, he warned, after 2026 midterms and potentially after presidential hopefuls have already entered the race, inviting claims the process favored candidates.
Nevada and South Carolina are viewed as the leading contenders for the first contest, while Michigan, New Hampshire, New Mexico and Virginia are competing for the remaining early slots.
New Hampshire remains a complication because state law requires the nation’s first primary; the DNC last month approved a $270,000 fine and loss of 100% of delegates for any unsanctioned contest.
Martin also argued for a fifth early state in the South to reflect demographic shifts, as Democrats try to avoid renewed establishment-bias accusations and manage a cash gap with the RNC’s $128 million.