Democrats Consider Ranked-Choice Voting for 2028 Presidential Primaries

Democratic leaders are contemplating the implementation of ranked-choice voting (RCV) for the 2028 presidential primaries. This initiative follows the successful use of RCV in New York City's recent Democratic primary, which saw the unexpected rise of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. DNC Chair Ken Martin has engaged with advocates, including Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) and pollster Celinda Lake, to discuss the potential benefits of RCV, which allows voters to rank candidates by preference rather than selecting just one.

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Proponents argue that RCV could lead to stronger nominees and provide clearer insights into voter preferences. By allowing backup choices, RCV encourages candidates to run more positive campaigns and seek common ground, as demonstrated in the New York City primary where progressive candidates collaborated without fear of vote-splitting. Celinda Lake emphasized that RCV could empower new faces and grassroots movements, stating, "It really meets the moment."

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Despite the enthusiasm among some party members, the proposal faces significant hurdles. Implementing RCV would require approval from the DNC's Rules and Bylaws Committee and a majority vote from its approximately 450 members. Some DNC members have expressed skepticism about the practicalities of RCV, citing potential logistical challenges such as longer polling times and complications in vote counting. A skeptical member remarked, "We should follow the lead of the states. They know better."

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While progressive commentators have lauded the idea as a pro-democracy stance, others doubt that party leaders, who previously worked to undermine insurgent campaigns like those of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), would support a reform that could diminish their control. Briahna Joy Gray, Sanders’ 2020 press secretary, remarked, “This is a great idea. They won’t do it.”

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The enthusiasm for RCV is not uniformly shared within the Democratic National Committee. Some members are open to the concept, while others remain skeptical about its feasibility and the potential impact on party dynamics. Additionally, several states, including Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Kentucky, have passed legislation to outlaw RCV, which may complicate its adoption in Democratic primaries.

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• “It favors positive politics rather than negative politics, and that's a great thing for the Democratic Party primaries,” — Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD)

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• “[RCV] gives a better chance to new faces, outsider candidates, people with grassroots movements, people who run positive campaigns, people who have something new to offer. It really meets the moment.” — Celinda Lake, Pollster

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• “This would be a fantastic pro-democracy stance,” — Krystal Ball, Co-host of Breaking Points

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• “This is a great idea,” — Briahna Joy Gray, Sanders’ 2020 Press Secretary

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As discussions continue, the future of ranked-choice voting in the Democratic primaries remains uncertain, with advocates pushing for reform amid a backdrop of mixed reactions and legislative challenges.

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