Now we know what they're looking for.
The DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee met earlier this week and passed a resolution laying out what the party wants in the 4 or 5 early states for 2028.
At FHQ: DNC press release on the October 27 Rules and Bylaws Committee meeting
Earlier this week the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee (RBC) convened in Washington, DC to consider and vote on a resolution intended to guide the process under which the panel will accept submissions from and award early presidential primary calendar spots to any and all state parties that opt to apply.
The resolution adopted on October 27 outlines a process that resembles the one used for the first time during the 2024 cycle. State parties will submit detailed requests for pre-window waivers, the committee will review those applications, a subset of finalists will then be chosen to make direct pitches to the panel, followed by the RBC selecting four or five states to fill out the early portion (pre-March 7, 2028) of the calendar. Subsequent to that, the full DNC will vote on those selections.
All of that is roughly the same as it was for 2024.
Underneath the surface, however, there are some differences.
First of all, the DNC has now had a trial run of this particular early state selection system. And that 2024 experience is paying dividends now for the 2028 process. The current iteration is more expedited. It was not until April 2022 that a similar document was adopted for the 2024 process. That gives the current RBC an additional six months with which to work.
Whether that translates to a quicker decision on the four or five early calendar states is a matter complicated by, as the 2024 process highlighted, how disruptive the RBC ultimately wants to (or can) be with its decision this cycle. The less the 2028 early calendar selections depart from the status quo established for 2024, the easier it will be for the RBC to make an earlier decision (before, say, the midterms). Those states are already roughly where they would need to be on the calendar. There could be some shuffling, but each is already in the early window or can be with few or no obstacles.
Yet, the road toward something more disruptive — a more wholesale change at the front of the queue that would see all or some subset of, in alphabetical order, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina removed — is paved with complications like which party controls the levers of power in not only those states but the states that would ostensibly take their place. Again, and as was the case in the previous cycle, that may extend the decision-making process on which states will occupy the early calendar spots beyond the midterm elections. It is those elections that will determine partisan control of most of the offices/bodies that would be charged with effecting change to the calendar on the state-level (for those states — the vast majority — who have state government-run contests).
Also, the guiding principles of the selection process are different for 2028 than they were during the prior cycle. Whereas the RBC pinpointed the diversity, competitiveness and feasibility of contests in states vying for early calendar slots for 2024, the focus this time around is on rigorousness, fairness and efficiency. DNC Chair Ken Martin had previously laid out those basic categories. And while there was some daylight between his description of the new labels (at the time in August), there is in reality a significant amount of overlap between old and new criteria for states applying for early slots on the 2028 calendar. There may just be more meat on the bones this for 2028 after that trial run of the early states selection systems was conducted last cycle.
Immediately below is the language of both the resolution adopted on October 27 by the RBC and an additional document, the Request for Proposals (RFP), that provides in greater detail the steps any applying state party must take to demonstrate how it meets the criteria set forth in the resolution.
Please note that FHQ has transcribed these from the recent RBC meeting. While both documents as they appear below reflect the amendments made to the draft resolution and the draft RFP during the meeting, there may be future changes to bring the language of both final documents in line with each other through conforming changes made by RBC staff. However, those changes will not affect the substance of either document as they appear below.
For paid subscribers, there will be further discussion below those two documents of the differences between the 2024 cycle process and 2028, plus some additional thoughts coming out of the October 27 RBC meeting. There was some subtext to what some members said during that gathering that may have implications for not only which states end up with early calendar positions for 2028 but for the delegate selection rules and Call for the Convention that will be hammered out next year as well.
The adopted October 27 resolution:
Resolution on Principles and Procedures for Review of the 2028 Democratic Party Presidential Nomination Calendar
WHEREAS, the Democratic National Committee’s (DNC) Rules and Bylaws Committee (RBC) is entrusted with the crucial role of drafting the rules for the Party’s presidential nominating contest, ensuring that the process by which the Party nominates its candidate for President of the United States reflects its most sacred principles and values; and
WHEREAS, as such, the RBC’s goal in every presidential election cycle is to produce the strongest possible Democratic nominee for president by constructing a nominating process that reflects the diversity of the Party, gives candidates the opportunity and incentive to meet voters, and exemplifies our passionate belief in American democracy; and
WHEREAS, each presidential election cycle, the RBC administers the delegate selection process, and oversees implementation of the rules governing Democratic presidential primaries and caucuses for that cycle; and
WHEREAS, the RBC proposes a Call to the Convention and Delegate Selection Rules for adoption by the DNC that govern the selection of the delegates to the National Convention, and works with each State Party to develop a written Delegate Selection Plan that fully complies with the Delegate Selection Rules and other Party requirements; and
WHEREAS, the timing and scheduling of presidential primaries and caucuses is a critical component of the Delegate Selection Process; and
WHEREAS, since 1980, the DNC’s Delegate Selection Rules have permitted each State Party to determine when to hold its primary or caucus as long as the date of those contests fall within the “window,” which is the period specified in the Rules in which states can hold Democratic presidential primaries or caucuses; and
WHEREAS, under Delegate Selection Rules adopted each cycle by the DNC, the RBC will review the date and manner of each state and territory’s presidential primary or caucus to ensure it complies with the Rules; and
WHEREAS, since the 2012 cycle, the window has opened on the first Tuesday in March of the presidential election year; and
WHEREAS, from 1980 through 2020, the DNC’s Delegate Selection Rules allowed a specified small group of states to hold their presidential nominating contests before the window; and
WHEREAS, in 2022, the RBC adopted criteria for approval of Rule 12 waivers and invited all interested State Parties to apply to hold their contests prior to the opening of the window; and
WHEREAS, to effectuate a process of selecting states to hold early nominating contests, the RBC and DNC approved a new version of Rule 12 in the 2024 Delegate Selection Rules that reconfirmed the opening of the window on the first Tuesday in March, while stating that the “DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee may provide waivers to State Parties to hold their first determining stage before the window, within the calendar year” and requiring all such waivers to be ratified by the full DNC; and
WHEREAS, 20 State Parties applied to the RBC for Rule 12 waivers, and the RBC reviewed those application over the course of several months; and
WHEREAS, the RBC ultimately granted Rule 12 waivers to five State Parties, with each waiver designating a specific date on which the respective nominating contest could be held and outlined other criteria for the waiver to be considered valid; and
WHEREAS, the RBC voted unanimously in favor of a motion to receive State Party applications for Rule 12 waivers in advance of the 2028 nominating contest;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Rules and Bylaws Committee (RBC) of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) will conduct a fair and transparent process to set the order of Democratic presidential nominating contests occurring prior to the opening of the window on March 7, 2028; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the RBC will approve a schedule of early (pre-window) nominating contests that meets the following three criteria:
Rigorousness: the lineup of early states must be a comprehensive test of candidates with diverse groups of voters that are key to winning the general election; and
Fairness: the lineup of early states must be affordable and practicable for candidates and not exhaust their resources unreasonably, precluding them from effectively participating in future contests; and
Efficiency: the practical ability to schedule and run a fair, transparent and inclusive primary or caucus; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the RBC will conduct the process by allowing State Parties to apply for exemptions to Rule 12, thus permitting them to hold their presidential primaries or caucuses prior to the opening of the window; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that following the RBC’s adoption of this resolution the RBC will open a public comment period in which the Party stakeholders are given the opportunity to voice their views on the primary process through a designated portal; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the RBC will approve Rule 12 waivers for no fewer than four (4) and no more than five (5) states; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the RBC must issue at least one Rule 12 waiver for each of the DNC’s four geographical regions (East, Midwest, South and West); and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Rule 12 waivers issued as part of this process will comply with the following rules and procedures:
Each waiver issued by the RBC will be considered conditional and pending until the completion of requirements outlined in each waiver, and each State Party receiving a waiver will have 30 days from its issuance to complete such requirements and return a signed affirmation attesting as much to the RBC.
Each waiver issued by the RBC will specify a date on which the state’s early nominating contest must be held, and will require the State Party chair to attest that the contest will be held on that date.
In addition to specifying a date for the contest, waivers issued by the RBC may include additional requirements for the respective State Party to meet for the waiver to be considered valid.
In the event that a State Party fails to comply with the requirements of a waiver within 30 days of its issuance, that waiver will be considered expired and invalid.
In the event that a waiver issued by the RBC expires and becomes invalid, the RBC may by majority vote provide additional time for a State Party to comply with the waiver, approve a replacement waiver for a different State Party, or take no further action.
All waivers approved by the RBC must be subsequently approved by the full DNC, as part of the approval of the Call to the Convention and Delegate Selection Rules.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the RBC will execute the process consistent with the following rules, guidelines, and principles:
The RBC will execute this process in the most transparent, open and fair manner feasible and commits to providing adequate, clear and timely notice of major milestones and requirements.
After this resolution is adopted, the RBC will send notification to State Parties stating that Rule 12 wavier applications must be submitted by 5PM EST on January 16, 2026.
Following receipt of applications, the RBC may request additional information from individual states prior to the issuance of an invitation to the presentation stage.
The RBC will then invite a subset of State Parties that applied for Rule 12 waivers to publicly present their case to the RBC and answer questions.
Following State Party presentations, the RBC will continue to meet to discuss applications and will vote to approve states for inclusion in the pre-window period and the order of such state contests.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the RBC will have continuing jurisdiction under the rules governing the 2028 presidential nominating process to maximize its ability to enforce the decisions it makes in this review of the 2028 nominating calendar; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the RBC will apply severe penalties for State Parties that hold early nominating contests without a waiver to do so, and for candidates who actively campaign for votes in such unauthorized contests.
The Request for Proposals:
OVERVIEW
On October 27, 2025, the Rules and Bylaws Committee (RBC) of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) was presented with a resolution establishing principles for a thorough review of the “pre-window” period of the 2028 Democratic presidential nominating process. The resolution laid out the contours of a process through which Democratic State Parties may apply to the RBC for an exemption to the “window” rule, which requires State Parties to hold their nominating contests after the first Tuesday in March unless specifically exempted in the rule itself.
Pursuant to that resolution, the RBC is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) to all Democratic State Parties interested in applying to hold their 2028 presidential nominating contest before the opening of the window on March 7, 2028.
State Parties have been notified that their response to the RFP must be received by January 16, 2026 at 5PM EST. After initial review of RFP responses, the RBC may ask specific State Parties for additional information. The RBC will then select a group of finalists to make presentations in person to the Committee. The RBC will continue to meet following the presentations before announcing its selection of pre-window states to receive waivers, and may include conditions on such waivers. The waivers must be approved by the full DNC as part of the adoption of the 2028 Call to the National Convention and Delegate Selection Rules.
SECTION I — GENERAL
Provide the full name of your Democratic State Party.
Provide the full name, title, email address and phone number of the State Party’s primary point of contact for this application.
Which nominating contest format does your State Party propose to use during the 2028 pre-window period?
State-run primary
Party-run primary
Party-run caucus
If your state has voter registration by party, describe your plan to increase Democratic Party registration and get-out-the-vote efforts should you be chosen as an early state.
Provide an opening statement on why your state should be considered for inclusion in the lineup of early nominating contests.
SECTION II — Rigorousness
The RBC established “Rigorousness” as the first criteria of evaluation and called for the lineup of early states to be a comprehensive test of candidates with the diverse groups of voters that are key to winning the general election.
Describe how the inclusion of your state in the pre-window nominating process will advance the objective of testing candidates with diverse groups of voters that include populations critical to general election victory. Please describe your populations critical to general election victory.
Describe State Party long-term plans or current programs to identify and reach out to each diverse community.
Explain how a pre-window contest in your state would contribute to Democratic victory in the general election. Your response should address contributions to the ability of Democratic candidates to win at the Congressional and state-level as well as in the presidential election.
Describe any notable or important electoral gains or losses (at any level) made by Democrats in your state since 2012.
Provide any additional data or information the Committee should consider when evaluating your state as a rigorous test of candidates.
SECTION III — Fairness
The RBC established “Fairness” as the second criteria of evaluation and called for the lineup of early states to be affordable and practicable for candidates and not exhaust their resources unreasonably, precluding them from effectively participating in future contests.
Describe how the size, geography, population, structure and infrastructure of the state will facilitate presidential candidates engaging in “retail politics.”
Provide relevant demographic and political data and analysis related to the cost of paid communications in the state. Responses should include a description of the state’s major traditional, online, and constituency-based media markets, digital communications and social media investments, and any available data on the cost of running political advertisements and organizing in those markets.
Describe the county and grassroots infrastructure currently in place that can assist in reaching voters across your state.
Describe the process for candidates to access the ballot and any associated costs they may incur.
Provide any additional data or information the Committee should consider when evaluating your state as a fair test of candidates.
SECTION IV — Efficiency
The RBC established “Efficiency” as the third and final criteria of evaluation and called for states to demonstrate the practical ability to schedule and run a fair, transparent and inclusive primary or caucus.
FOR STATE PARTIES APPLYING TO HOLD A STATE-RUN PRIMARY PRIOR TO THE WINDOW
State Parties applying to hold a state-run primary before the window must provide written answers to the following questions:
Provide a general statement of how the date of a state-run primary is established and whether and how it may be changed (i.e. primary date established by state law, which must be amended, etc.).
Provide a detailed timeline of when and how the State Party would attempt to set the primary date.
Indicate whether the presidential primary would need to be separated from any other existing congressional or state primaries.
Provide a detailed description of conversations between the State Party, the Governor’s office, the highest-ranking state election official, state legislative leaders, and the Republican state committee on the topic of scheduling the state’s nominating contest before the window. Please be reminded that these responses will be kept confidential and only shared with the RBC members and staff.
Attach letters of support or statements for the record from state officials or other key individuals who would play a key role in the process of establishing a state-run primary date during the pre-window period. In states where statutory changes must be made, statements of support from both the Governor’s office and relevant state legislative leaders should be included.
Attach letters of support or statements for the record supportive of your application from non-governmental organizations, particularly from core Democratic Party constituencies, individuals or other sources.
Describe any absentee or early voting opportunities voters can use to cast their ballots.
Provide a detailed description of when and how election results are reported and certified.
Provide any additional data or information the Committee should consider when evaluating your state as an efficient test of presidential candidates.
FOR STATE PARTIES APPLYING TO HOLD A PARTY-RUN CAUCUS OR PARTY-RUN PRIMARY PRIOR TO THE WINDOW
State Parties applying to hold a caucus process or party-run (“firehouse”) primary prior to the window must provide answers to the following questions:
Describe your State Party’s experience in conducting a party-run primary or caucus. Provide information on problems that have arisen and how those issues will be avoided in 2028.
Provide an overview of how the State Party would structure its proposed caucus and/or party-run primary, and any changes to past processes the State Party is planning or proposing to implement for its 2028 nominating contest.
Provide a detailed description and summary of the anticipated number of levels (including the first tier) or the proposed 2028 process.
Provide a description of the number of proposed caucus sites or voting centers and any absentee or early voting opportunities that would be available to voters.
Provide a detailed description of the expected cost of running the process by the State Party and the State Party’s expected method of paying for the process, including disclosing any anticipated non-party contributions or financing.
Provide a detailed description of when and how elections results are reported and certified.
Attach letters of support or statements for the record supportive of your application from non-governmental organizations, particularly from core Democratic Party constituency groups, individuals or other sources.
Describe voting procedures, including if proxies or mail ballots are used and early voting opportunities voters can use to cast their ballots.
Provide any additional data or information the Committee should consider when evaluating your state as an efficient test of presidential candidates.