Iowa Democrats encounter steep challenges in their pursuit of reclaiming leadership before the 2028 primary elections
Iowa's Future as a First-in-the-Nation State Uncertain
As the 2024 Democratic presidential primaries approach, Iowa's traditional role as the first state to hold caucuses is under reconsideration. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is currently evaluating applications from states aiming to take Iowa's place, leading to a competitive and uncertain landscape for the Hawkeye State.
Iowa's Democratic Party is actively seeking input from party members on how to conduct their 2028 caucuses, with no Iowans on the DNC's Rules and Bylaws committee. This cautious approach comes after a disastrous rollout of an app during the 2020 caucuses that delayed the results, and the subsequent changes in the primary calendar for 2024 when South Carolina moved first to favor President Biden’s re-election bid.
Competing for the first-in-the-nation slot are several states, including Nevada, New Hampshire, and Michigan. Each of these states is actively lobbying for the position, while Iowa is making a pitch to remain first by switching to a vote-by-mail primary.
Nevada, in particular, is a top contender to replace Iowa. They are actively campaigning for the first slot, hoping to attract more candidates and media attention in the early stages of the 2028 primary. New Hampshire, traditionally the first primary, is expected to maintain its position on the Republican side, but the Democratic role is under discussion. Michigan is another contender, engaging in early pitches to the Democratic Rules and Bylaws committee. South Carolina, which went first in the 2024 primary, is likely to try to keep its position due to its demographic advantage and the diversity it represents.
The DNC has committed to a fair, transparent, and rigorous process for the 2028 primary calendar. However, the final makeup of the calendar will influence the strategies of presidential campaigns and the candidates who gain traction. Pete D'Alessandro, a longtime Iowa Democratic strategist, suggests that Iowa Democrats should set their date for the primary or caucuses and ignore any potential consequences from the DNC.
Iowa's Democratic Party chair, Rita Hart, is a fierce advocate for Iowa Democrats and will have her voice heard during the process. Despite the competition, Iowa Democrats are trying to maintain their status as an early nominating state, arguing that it provides a unique opportunity for candidates to connect with voters in a more personal way.
However, critics argue that early states should reflect the diversity of the nation and overlap with swing states Democrats need to win the general election. National Democrats are also criticized for letting potential Republican candidates gain a head-start in the 2024 campaign by excluding Iowa. Hart expects to have tough conversations with the DNC regarding Iowa's caucuses and the concerns surrounding the 2024 calendar.
The final decision on the 2028 primary calendar will be made by the DNC's Rules and Bylaws panel later in the year. The process remains fluid, and party feedback will play a significant role in the final decision. As Iowa navigates this uncertain landscape, one thing is clear: the state's traditional role as a first-in-the-nation state is no longer guaranteed.
[1] Iowa Democratic Party seeks input on 2028 caucuses as first-in-the-nation status is under reconsideration. (2025, August 1). Retrieved from https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2025/08/01/iowa-democrats-seek-input-2028-caucuses-first-nation-status-uncertain/35967671/
[2] The race to be the first: States compete to replace Iowa as the first primary. (2025, August 15). Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/15/politics/iowa-first-in-the-nation-primary-2028/index.html
[3] Iowa Democrats seek input on 2028 caucuses as first-in-the-nation status is up for debate. (2025, August 20). Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-election/iowa-democrats-seek-input-2028-caucuses-first-nation-status-uncertain-n1307812
[4] New Hampshire's influence on the primary process. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nh.gov/secretary-of-state/elections/national/primary/index.htm
Top contenders lobby for the first position in the 2028 Democratic primary, potentially replacing Iowa, whose role as the first-in-the-nation state is under reconsideration. States like Nevada, New Hampshire, and Michigan are actively campaigning to overtake Iowa, while Iowa itself proposes switching to a vote-by-mail primary to stay competitive. Media attention and policy-and-legislation discussions will influence the candidates' strategies and the party's final decision, as reported in general-news outlets. The Democratic National Committee's (DNC) Rules and Bylaws panel will make the official decision later in the year.
