The Democratic National Committee (DNC) will begin discussions on the 2028 presidential primary calendar later this month, DNC Chair Ken Martin confirmed Sunday.
Speaking on NewsNation’s The Hill Sunday, Martin said the party plans to start the process at its August meeting in Minneapolis. He said that the newly composed Rules and Bylaws Committee will lead the effort by proposing rules and procedures to guide the setting of the calendar.
“We’re going to start that conversation actually this month in August at our DNC meeting in Minneapolis,” Martin said.
The 2028 primary calendar discussions come amid scrutiny of changes made for the 2024 cycle, particularly the decision to move South Carolina and Michigan earlier in the schedule at former President Joe Biden’s request. Critics argue this adjustment favoured the incumbent and may have delayed the campaign’s conclusion.
Martin said he expects the 2028 primary race to be highly competitive. “It has to be rigorous, in the sense that it battle tests our nominee and prepares them for the general election,” Martin explained.
“We want them to have resources for the general election because the only prize that matters is November,” Martin added.
THE 2028 RACE
Meanwhile, several reports claimed that Democratic leaders have already started what some call a “shadow campaign” for the 2028 nomination. With the party’s public image currently low, many hopeful candidates see an opportunity to build momentum well before voting begins.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who recently declined to run for California governor, has indicated she is not rushing back into electoral politics. On The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, she said, “I want to travel the country, I want to listen to people, I want to talk with people and I don’t want it to be transactional, where I’m asking for their vote.”
Political strategist Michael Feldman, senior adviser to former Vice President Al Gore, predicted a competitive race ahead. “There will be a contested primary. There will be a large field of people who feel like it’s their time and it’s their moment,” he told USA Today. With no clear frontrunner yet, setting the 2028 Democratic primary calendar will be a key focus.
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