Iowa’s Role in the Democratic Nomination Process Before 2028
As Democrats gear up for the 2028 presidential election, a significant decision looms: which state will kick off the nomination process? Recently, President Biden reshaped the timeline, pushing South Carolina to the forefront ahead of traditional states like Iowa and New Hampshire. This move has sparked debates among party officials as they push for relevant early-state status.
After the Democrats faced setbacks in the last election when they lost to Republican Donald Trump, party leaders are under pressure to choose a primary state that reflects a diverse electorate. This selection is critical as each state’s demographics influence which candidates gain traction.
In response, several potential candidates are already visiting early-voting states, hinting at their strategies and aspirations for securing the nomination. For instance, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker recently spoke at an event for New Hampshire Democrats, eager to engage with this largely white yet politically active state. Meanwhile, Maryland’s first Black governor, Wes Moore, is set to appear at a gathering in South Carolina, where Black voters play a pivotal role.
In Iowa, the state’s position was marginalized after Biden’s calendar shuffle. This decision disappointed many local Democrats who have traditionally valued Iowa’s early status in the nomination process. Scott Brennan, a member of the Democratic National Committee, remarked that while the president’s choice favored his interests, it felt unjust to many in Iowa.
Looking ahead, Iowa leaders are now more focused on the upcoming 2026 election, where they aim to regain competitiveness and voter registration numbers, which have dwindled in recent years. Even so, there remains a strong belief among Iowa Democrats that the state deserves consideration in the 2028 primary process.
Former Congressman Dave Nagle argued for Iowa to vigorously assert its first-in-the-nation claim, regardless of pushback from national party officials. He recalls how the state previously united to protect this status against threats from the DNC.
New Hampshire isn’t sitting idle either. After previously defying the DNC by holding an unsanctioned primary in January, state officials are determined to maintain their relevance, insisting that the nomination process should remain fair and balanced.
Meanwhile, Nevada is campaigning for an elevated role, pointing to its diverse population as a reflection of the nation’s demographics. State party chair Daniele Monroe-Moreno emphasizes that Nevada’s working-class and multicultural voter base makes it a fitting candidate for an early primary.
Finally, South Carolina is also vying for the top spot, highlighting its significance in the Democratic nomination process, especially with its strong Black voter participation. State party chair Christale Spain is determined to advocate for South Carolina’s first-in-the-nation status to ensure the electorate’s unique needs are represented.
As various states jostle for position, it’s clear that the choices made now will impact the Democratic primary landscape leading up to 2028.
