Now we know which states they are looking at

Some thoughts on the 2028 Democratic primary calendar process now that the deadline for state parties to apply with the DNC has come and gone

At FHQ:

• These Are the 12 States Vying to Kick Off Democrats’ 2028 Contest

• What’s in Iowa Democrats’ bid to regain first-in-the-nation status?

• As the DNC chooses the 2028 primary order, NH makes its case for first

• [Illinois] State Democrats looking to push forward 2028 primary

• Virginia Democrats push for earlier spot on 2028 presidential primary calendar

• South Carolina Democrats file formal bid to keep first-in-nation presidential primary spot in 2028

• Nevada Democrats push to host first 2028 primary, highlighting battleground advantages

• Michigan Democrats apply to vote early in 2028 presidential primary

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Back in October, the Rules and Bylaws Committee of the Democratic National Committee adopted rules defining the process by which early window states would be selected by the party to lead off the 2028 presidential primary calendar.

Those rules set a January 16, 2026 deadline for state and territorial parties to apply for the four or five early spots on the national party’s calendar. Now that the deadline has passed, it is clearer what that playing field looks like for the limited number of early calendar slots. Twelve state parties from across the country submitted materials to be considered by the RBC over the coming days, weeks and months.

Below, FHQ assesses the field of states pushing for the honor of occupying one of the four or five early slots on the calendar ahead of Super Tuesday in 2028.