These Are the 12 States Vying to Kick Off Democrats’ 2028 Contest
📅 January 19, 2026
✍️ Editor: Sudhir Choudhary, The Vagabond News
A quiet but consequential battle is unfolding inside the Democratic Party as a dozen states maneuver to claim the prized position at the front of the 2028 presidential nominating calendar. The contest—driven by regional ambition, demographic arguments, and raw political leverage—could reshape how Democrats choose their next nominee and redefine which voters set the tone for the race.
Party officials say at least 12 states have formally or informally signaled interest in hosting the first Democratic contest, whether a primary or caucus. The effort comes after Democrats upended decades of tradition ahead of the 2024 cycle, demoting Iowa and elevating states they argued better reflect the party’s modern coalition.
Why the First Contest Matters
The opening contest carries outsized influence. Candidates who perform well early gain media attention, donor interest, and momentum that can define the rest of the race. For states, going first brings national attention, economic activity, and political clout.
Democratic leaders have said any early-state lineup must reflect racial diversity, geographic balance, and the ability to run secure, efficient elections. Those criteria have fueled a scramble among states eager to argue they best represent the party’s base.
The 12 States in Contention
While the final decision rests with the Democratic National Committee, party officials and strategists say the following 12 states are actively vying for an early slot:
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South Carolina – Elevated to the first position in 2024, South Carolina is fighting to keep its status, citing its heavily Black Democratic electorate and decisive role in shaping recent nominees.
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New Hampshire – Long protective of its first-in-the-nation primary, New Hampshire argues its retail politics tradition remains unmatched, despite tensions with national Democrats.
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Nevada – With a racially diverse electorate and growing union influence, Nevada has positioned itself as a Western counterweight to early Southern contests.
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Michigan – Democrats point to Michigan’s battleground status and industrial base as reasons it should help set the party’s economic message.
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Georgia – Rapid demographic change and recent Democratic gains have made Georgia a strong contender in party discussions.
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North Carolina – Another fast-growing Southern state, North Carolina argues it reflects both urban and rural Democratic voters.
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Wisconsin – Party officials cite Wisconsin’s razor-thin margins and organizing infrastructure as assets.
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Pennsylvania – With a large electorate and union presence, Pennsylvania has pushed its case as a bellwether.
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Arizona – Democrats see Arizona’s growing Latino electorate and Sun Belt importance as compelling.
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Minnesota – State Democrats argue Minnesota’s high turnout and progressive base make it a strong early test.
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Illinois – Backed by labor and a large urban electorate, Illinois has quietly explored an early role.
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Virginia – With proximity to Washington and a diverse Democratic coalition, Virginia has made preliminary overtures.
Tensions Over Tradition and Reform
The competition has reopened old wounds inside the party. Some activists argue that removing long-standing early states risks alienating grassroots organizers who built the primary system. Others say clinging to tradition undermines the party’s stated commitment to diversity and representation.
New Hampshire Democrats, in particular, have bristled at the national party’s willingness to bypass state law and custom. Meanwhile, South Carolina leaders insist that their voters deserve continued prominence after playing a decisive role in recent Democratic nominations.
What Comes Next
The Democratic National Committee is expected to revisit the nominating calendar later this year, weighing proposals and negotiating with state parties. Any changes would likely need to balance inclusivity with logistical realities—and avoid the chaos that can follow calendar disputes.
For now, the jockeying underscores a larger truth: before any Democrat declares for 2028, the fight over where the race begins is already underway. And whichever state wins that battle may shape the party’s future long before the first vote is cast.
Source: Democratic Party officials; state party leaders
Tags: Democratic Party, 2028 Election, Presidential Primaries, U.S. States, Party Politics
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