Hunter
10/28/25
The Democratic National Committee has opened the application process for states that want to be part of the early nominating window in 2028, emphasizing the need to create a system that elevates viable candidates who can win a general election.
The window to apply closes January 16th, 2026.
For years, Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina held their primaries or caucuses ahead of Super Tuesday, but after Iowa’s numbers were delayed due to procedural glitches, it was recommended that South Carolina take Iowa’s place at the head of the line.
In 2024, New Hampshire refused to accept the DNC’s official calendar order, and the state held an unsanctioned first-in-the-nation primary ahead of the South Carolina vote. The DNC originally stripped New Hampshire’s delegates to the national convention as punishment but ultimately backtracked and restored them.
The Rules and Bylaws Committee adopted a resolution calling for severe penalties for state parties that don’t adhere to the 2028 calendar.
The Des Moines Register reports state leaders in Iowa have suggested the penalties weren’t applied to New Hampshire in 2024 and shouldn’t hinder Iowa’s decision about how to proceed in 2028. Holding a “rogue” unsanctioned caucus is one of the options Iowa Democrats are weighing if they aren’t selected by the committee for the early voting window.
State Democratic party chair Rita Hart said “all options are on the table” as the party decides what to do