Iowa Democrats Seek Early 2028 Slot

This week Iowa Democratic leaders briefed the DNC Rules-Bylaws Committee in Washington, arguing that Iowa should regain an early-state slot on the 2028 presidential calendar. The committee is reviewing proposals from 12 states and will choose four or five early slots.

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The Democratic Party removed Iowa from 2024 early calendar, while Republicans retained their first-in-the-nation caucus. Iowa Democrats argue the change hurt the party nationally, noting over $120 million in Republican ad spending in Iowa before 2024 caucuses.

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Rita Hart, chair of the Iowa Democratic Party, led the presentation. DNC Rules-Bylaws Committee co-chairs Minyon Moore and James Roosevelt Jr. emphasized a “strong, battle-tested Democratic nominee to take back the White House in 2028.” The committee evaluates states on rigorousness, fairness and efficiency.

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Iowa’s cheaper media markets let candidates campaign on lower budgets. Thirteen counties now have Latino populations over 10 percent, all rural. Republicans spent $120 million on Iowa ads in 2024 caucus cycle, exceeding spending in other early Republican states. The 2026 ballot includes an open governor’s race, competitive congressional districts and an open U.S. Senate seat.

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Hart said Iowa forces presidential hopefuls to meet voters directly rather than rely on costly TV ads, and outlined a hybrid caucus blending a mail-in preference ballot with an in-person vote and same-night results. DNC co-chairs reaffirmed commitment to a balanced calendar but gave no decision date.

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The Rules and Bylaws Committee has not announced when it will decide early-state slots. Hart prefers a decision after the 2026 midterms, but the timeline remains unclear.

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• “We're the kind of state that if you can win here, you can win anywhere.” — Rita Hart, Iowa Democratic Party Chair

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• “If we're going to have the kind of majorities that we need, that efforts got to come right through a state like Iowa — a rural state, a state here in the heartland,” — Rita Hart, Iowa Democratic Party Chair

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• “We were at a great disadvantage last time when the Republicans were able to take the spotlight here in the state of Iowa,” — Rita Hart, Iowa Democratic Party Chair

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• “It's very important that we have a mail-in component, because not everyone can gather on a January wintry night in Iowa at 7 in a particular location,” — Rita Hart, Iowa Democratic Party Chair

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• “a strong, battle-tested Democratic nominee to take back the White House in 2028.” — Minyon Moore and James Roosevelt Jr., DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee Co-Chairs

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