Today, the DNC’s Rules and Bylaws Committee (RBC) concluded a three-day meeting where they heard presentations from all 12 states applying to host their 2028 presidential nominating contests in the early window of the calendar and progressed in their review of the 2028 delegate selection rules.
In the coming months, the RBC will proceed with consideration of the applications of each state with the benefit of having heard these presentations and engaged in robust conversation with advocates for each contender. They will also continue work on the 2028 delegate selection rules and call for the 2028 Democratic National Convention.
RBC Co-Chairs Minyon Moore and James Roosevelt, Jr. released the following statement:
“This week the Rules and Bylaws Committee heard from and carefully considered strong presentations from all states that applied for the early window of the 2028 presidential nominating contest. We remain committed to creating a nominating calendar that delivers a strong, battle-tested presidential nominee, and look forward to continuing that work in the coming months.”
DNC Chair Ken Martin released the following statement:
“As the Rules and Bylaws Committee moves forward on the calendar process, I applaud the Committee for their steadfast commitment to creating a 2028 nominating calendar that produces our strongest possible Democratic nominee to take back the White House.”
Background on the 2028 Calendar Process:
- At this meeting, the RBC heard presentations from all 12 states vying for a spot on the early window of the 2028 presidential nominating calendar. Those states are: Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
- Each state had 15 minutes to present their case for the early window to the RBC, followed by a 30-minute Q&A portion.
- Background on the RBC’s process to date:
- At the October 27, 2025 RBC meeting, the Committee passed a resolution outlining the next steps in determining the early window of the 2028 presidential nominating calendar.
- The Resolution established that the fundamental goal for the 2028 calendar process is to “produce the strongest possible Democratic nominee for president” and included the following requirements:
- The RBC must select between four and five states for the early window and must include one state from each of the DNC’s four geographic regions (East, Midwest, South, and West).
- The Committee will execute the calendar process “in the most transparent, open, and fair manner feasible,” while providing “adequate, clear, and timely notice on major milestones and requirements.”
- Three pillars will be used to evaluate early state applicants:
- Rigorousness: the lineup of early states must be a comprehensive test of candidates with diverse groups of voters that are key to winning the general election;
- Fairness: the lineup of early states must be affordable, practical for candidates, and not exhaust their resources unreasonably, precluding them from effectively participating in future contests;
- Efficiency: the practical ability to run a fair, transparent, and inclusive primary or caucus.
