In order to determine the primary state for the 2028 Democratic nomination, internal party discussions and decisions are imminent.

Article:

A Clash of ambitions: The scramble for the Democratic nomination's opening act in 2028

Lockstock and Two Smoking Barrels - It's a battle royale among the Democratic contenders and states, each vying for the coveted position of opening the 2028 presidential nomination. With President Joe Biden's term winding down, the scene is set for a dramatic power shift.

In 2024, Biden's reshuffle of the election calendar caused a seismic change, moving South Carolina's primary ahead of the traditional early voting states of Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nevada. Now, officials in these states are eager to regain their status, positioning themselves for the top spot nearly two years before the Democratic National Committee makes its decision. Other states may join the fray as well.

With the party still grappling with questions about its identity and direction after losing the 2022 election to Donald Trump, each state offers unique advantages to different candidates, shaping and reshaping the Democratic base. Already, potential 2028 candidates are making early-state visits, offering a glimpse into their paths to nomination.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker recently appeared as the keynote speaker at a New Hampshire Democratic event, charming a majority white state known for its engaged electorate and independent streak. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, the state's first Black governor, will soon grace a similar gathering in South Carolina, a state where Black voters hold significant influence within the Democratic party.

Former transportation secretary and 2020 candidate Pete Buttigieg is slated to join a VoteVets Action Fund meeting in Iowa on Tuesday. His visit marks his first public, in-person appearance since leaving his post with the Biden administration. Buttigieg's strong performance in the 2020 caucuses, which were marred by technical glitches, suggests he may still be a formidable contender in the Hawkeye State.

Iowa Ready for a "Fair" Comeback in 2028

Losing their prized position as the first state to weigh in on the presidential nomination has left some Iowa Democrats feeling somewhat shortchanged. Scott Brennan, a member of the DNC's Rules and Bylaws Committee and former chairman of the Iowa Democratic Party, admitted that Joe Biden had essentially handpicked the calendar for his campaign's benefit. "When you're the president, you can do those things," Brennan said. "But I don't know that people in Iowa thought it was very fair."

For now, Iowa Democrats are setting their sights on the 2026 election, focusing on competitive congressional districts that could unseat Republican incumbents. Despite recent struggles in Iowa, many party leaders remain hopeful that their historic role in the presidential nominating process remains valuable.

Former U.S. Rep. Dave Nagle proposes a bold plan to ensure Iowa maintains its first-in-the-nation status, regardless of the DNC's decisions. Nagle's argument: "All we have to do is look at the Democratic National Committee and say, 'Sorry, we're going first.' It's ours if we have the courage."

New Hampshire: Standing Firm After a Rebellion

New Hampshire rebelled in 2024, holding an unsanctioned primary in January despite threats from the DNC. Biden did not campaign in the state but won as a write-in. After Biden submitted his proposed calendar to the DNC, New Hampshire Democrats thought they were in a strong position, with quiet negotiations underway. Although the DNC dropped its threat to not seat the state's national convention delegates three months later, the landscape may change significantly for the 2028 primary.

Never-first Nevada Seeks Prime Time

Democratic leaders in Nevada have also made a push to maintain their voice in the early selection process, although the state's Western location has traditionally made it less attractive to White House hopefuls. With a large nonwhite population (30% Latino, according to census data), Nevada hopes to demonstrate that it serves as the premier reflection of the nation's growing diversity.

South Carolina's Determined Bid for No. 1

South Carolina, as the first primary state in the South, has long championed its role in selecting the nominee after the early-voting states have winnowed the field. With Black voters playing a significant role in Democratic voting in the Palmetto State, Christale Spain, the expected victor in the state party chair race, will argue for South Carolina to retain its top position.

At the end of May, Maryland Gov. Moore will headline the South Carolina Democratic Party's Blue Palmetto Dinner, a prestigious fundraiser that has previously hosted high-profile Democratic figures like Jennifer Granholm and Sens. Cory Booker and Raphael Warnock.

As Spain navigates her argument without Biden as president and Jaime Harrison, the South Carolina native who recently ended his term as national Democratic chair, steering the party, she remains confident. "We have more to offer than other states do," Spain asserted. "All those things matter - the stuff that's happening with the veterans, all our colleges and institutions, the role of Black folks - in a Democratic primary."

___

Reporting by Meg Kinnard, Holly Ramer, and Hannah Fingerhut.

Enrichment Data:

Potential 2028 Presidential Candidates

Although several potential presidential candidates have not definitively declared their intention to run, a few notable names have expressed interest or been discussed as possibilities:

Gov. Andy Beshear (KY): Kentucky's current governor has expressed openness to a potential 2028 presidential run, as long as he can bring unity to an increasingly divided nation.[1]
Gov. Wes Moore (MD): While Moore has ruled out a 2024 run, a 2028 bid remains a possibility.
Joe Kennedy III (MA): The grandson of Robert F. Kennedy and great-nephew of President John F. Kennedy was considered a potential 2024 contender but has previously stated that he does not plan to run in 2024. [2]
Rep. Ro Khanna (CA): Khanna, a strong advocate for leftist policies, gained traction during the 2020 primaries as a progressive alternative to Biden. [3]
Gov. Gavin Newsom (CA): Newsom's reputation as a charismatic leader and his successful handling of the COVID-19 crisis in California have fueled speculation about a potential presidential run. [4]

The Democratic National Committee is faced with difficult decisions regarding the 2028 presidential nomination, as states vie for the coveted opening position, following changes made by President Joe Biden during his term.
South Carolina, known for its significant Black voter population, is determined to retain its top position in the primary, emphasizing its role in showcasing institutions and policies that matter in a Democratic primary.
The state of Maryland, where the first Black governor, Wes Moore, serves, is also positioning itself for a prominent role in the 2028 Democatic primary, with Moore set to address the South Carolina Democratic Party's Blue Palmetto Dinner later in May.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Illinois known for its engaged electorate and independent streak, recently made an appearance at a New Hampshire Democratic event, hinting at his potential interest in the 2028 presidential race.
Former transportation secretary and 2020 candidate Pete Buttigieg is making early-state visits, which could indicate a potential bid for the 2028 Democratic nomination, given his strong performance in the 2020 caucuses.
Amidst the race for the Democratic nomination, various states face challenges like dealing with car accidents, fires, and crime-and-justice issues, as well as managing migration and war-and-conflicts policies and legislation, all while navigating the complexities of general news and politics.