Democrats Invite 12 States to Bid for Early 2028 Primary Slots
The Democratic Party moved to reshape its 2028 presidential nominating calendar by inviting 12 states to formally bid for early contest slots, with one state from each of four regions (and possibly a fifth) front-loading the process ahead of Super Tuesday. Eastern states New Hampshire and Delaware, Midwest contenders Iowa, Michigan and Illinois, Southern states including South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia, and Western states Nevada and New Mexico submitted bids; the DNC rules and bylaws panel advanced all applications to the next round. Some changes may require Republican approval to alter dates, as Democrats seek a calendar that tests key voting blocs and better reflects party values after recent scheduling battles.