The Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee is convening in Puerto Rico to initiate discussions on the 2028 presidential primary calendar, a pivotal decision that will shape the party’s nominee selection process amid high stakes for the upcoming election.
The committee is scheduled to meet on January 31, 2026, in Puerto Rico to begin reviewing applications from states seeking waivers to hold their nominating contests in the early window. This marks the start of a process that will determine the sequence of primaries and caucuses, with final decisions expected later this year. The outcome is crucial as the order of early states has historically played a significant role in winnowing the field and establishing frontrunners.
Twelve states have submitted proposals for early contest spots, including New Hampshire, South Carolina, Nevada, Michigan, Georgia, Iowa, and others. Each state represents different demographic segments of the Democratic coalition, and the committee aims to create a mosaic that reflects the party’s diversity. This includes balancing the influence of African American voters, Latinos, college-educated Whites, and working-class constituencies to ensure a comprehensive test for potential candidates.
Historically, Iowa and New Hampshire held the first contests, but after the 2020 cycle, Democrats restructured the calendar to address concerns about diversity and accessibility. In 2024, South Carolina was placed first, followed by Nevada and New Hampshire, but implementation faced challenges as some states could not comply with the DNC schedule. This has led to renewed debates and a sense that the 2028 calendar is more open and unpredictable than ever before.
Key considerations for the committee include ensuring that early states are representative of the national electorate and that they provide a testing ground for candidates’ abilities in both retail politics and modern campaigning. Committee members like Donna Brazile and Elaine Kamarck emphasize the need for a sequence that evaluates candidates across various demographics and geographic settings, including swing states that are critical for general election success.
One of the thorniest issues is New Hampshire, where state law mandates a first-in-the-nation primary. The DNC must decide whether to accommodate this or risk a conflict, as was seen in 2024 when Biden boycotted the unsanctioned New Hampshire primary. Similarly, South Carolina’s position is under scrutiny due to its reliably Republican lean in general elections, with alternatives like Georgia or North Carolina being considered for their swing-state status and large Black populations.
The stakes are exceptionally high, as Democrats feel pressure to devise a nominating system that maximizes their chance of producing an electable nominee in 2028, particularly with the perceived threat from former President Donald Trump. Past changes to the primary rules have often had unintended consequences, such as the front-loading that nearly derailed Walter Mondale’s nomination in 1984, highlighting the complexity of the decision-making process.
Looking ahead, the initial review in Puerto Rico will set the stage for months of deliberations. The final calendar, once approved, will influence the strategic decisions of potential candidates long before they formally announce, shaping the trajectory of the 2028 presidential race. As the committee navigates these decisions, the goal remains to foster a fair and effective process that strengthens the party’s prospects in the next election cycle.
