DNC Sets January Deadline for States Seeking Early 2028 Primary Slots

As Democrats weigh the 2028 presidential nominating order, the DNC is prioritizing states that can deliver a ‘rigorous, efficient and fair’ contest.

Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin speaks after winning the vote at the Democratic National Committee winter meeting in National Harbor, Md., on Feb. 1, 2025. Rod Lamkey, Jr./AP Photo

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is already preparing for the 2028 presidential primaries, with an eye toward taking back the White House.

The DNC’s Rules and Bylaws Committee on Monday approved a proposal permitting states to apply for the early nominating period until Jan. 16, 2026, in the pre-Super Tuesday voting period, when a large number of delegates are distributed ahead of the DNC.