DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee Votes to Advance 12 States to Next Phase of 2028 Presidential Calendar Selection Process Arrow

Today, at the January meeting of the Rules and Bylaws Committee (RBC), the RBC reviewed applications for the early nominating window of the 2028 presidential calendar. The RBC received 12 applications for the early window and voted to advance all 12 of those states to the next phase of the process, which is an opportunity for states to deliver presentations to the Committee.

The states invited to present are: Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

RBC Co-Chairs Minyon Moore and James Roosevelt, Jr. released the following statement:

"Today, the Rules and Bylaws Committee took another crucial step forward to create a nominating calendar that delivers a strong, battle-tested Democratic nominee to take back the White House in 2028. The RBC remains committed to running a rigorous, efficient, and fair selection process and looks forward to states presenting their cases directly to the Committee in the coming months."

DNC Chair Ken Martin released the following statement:

"As the Rules and Bylaws Committee continues their work to set the Democratic Party's 2028 presidential nominating calendar, I commend the Committee for their commitment to a transparent and fair process that produces the strongest possible Democratic nominee."

Background on the 2028 Calendar Process:

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.