Many Virginians are accustomed tocasting a ballot every year, but Virginia voters may not be prepared for the commonwealth to welcome an onslaught of candidates vying for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Last weekend, the Democratic National Committee approved its early 2028 primary schedule, which places Virginia in a prime spot: Feb. 29 — the last primary before Super Tuesday.
The DNC gave six states slots on its early primary calendar, saying the grouping is a better reflection of a changing America:
- Jan. 22:South Carolina
- Feb. 1:Nevada
- Feb. 8: New Hampshire
- Feb. 15:New Mexico
- Feb. 22:Michigan
- Feb. 29:Virginia
In 2020, the last time the Democrats ran an open primary, Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina held the early spots.
Ken Martin, Democratic National Committee chair, spoke with VPM News after the vote. He said the primary goal of the committee in overhauling the schedule is “winning the White House in November of 2028.”
Martin said this early schedule will test the eventual nominee with key coalitions in a variety of states with ethnically diverse voters from different economic backgrounds.
“It’s going to make sure that our nominee, whoever they are, has to actually visit with voters from throughout this country, from all walks of life, and that’s going to make them a better candidate as a result,” Martin said.
Martin pointed to a population boom across the South as a reason for making two Southern states part of the early lineup going forward. Future elections “will be determined in the South, not in the ‘blue wall’ of the North, but in the Black Belt of the South,” he said.
Martin said Virginia’s diverse economy and population were part of its draw. Greater Richmond, Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads all present opportunities that will force the candidates to “get out of their comfort zone.”
The moderate reputation of Virginia’s voters, who have selected both Republican and Democratic governors in recent elections, was also a plus: “That will give our candidates the type of stress test they need to actually position themselves for a November election.”
Virginia’s population size was a draw for Martin, who said they began the calendar with smaller states and then moved into larger states with more media markets to ensure the candidates are prepared for the challenge Super Tuesday presents, which could include primaries in 18 to 20 states.
“If you can’t compete in a Virginia or a Michigan at the tail end of this early window process, you’re not likely going to be able to compete on a Super Tuesday,” Martin said.
This new positioning will mean big changes for Virginians over the next two years. Martin said the commonwealth will see a major influx of visiting presidential hopefuls. “We expect anywhere from 20 to 25 candidates, maybe even more,” Martin said.
The size of the potential field means that many campaigns will be investing time, energy and money in the state in the hope of wooing voters and growing Virginia’s Democratic Party infrastructure.
State Sen. Lamont Bagby (D–Richmond), the chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia, said Virginia’s bid for one of the top spots in the Democrats’ schedule was a “long shot.” Bagby described Virginia as still being a purple state, despite Democrats’ current trifecta of control over the governor’s mansion, House of Delegates and Senate.
He said the DPVA used the state’s demographics as a selling point for the national party, highlighting its mix of urban, suburban and rural areas and Virginia’s large population of federal workers, servicemembers and veterans.
Bagby said that in previous years — when Virginia was lumped in with over a dozen other states on Super Tuesday — the commonwealth would only get one or two visits from a candidate, which would likely come after the state’s primary election.
“This go-around, the candidates will be embedded into the community,” Bagby said. He pointed out the new primary slot could also be an economic boon to Virginia, with voters filling restaurants, coffee shops and other venues to meet candidates and ask them about their views: “The campaign is where promises are made.”
Bagby described Virginia’s Feb. 29 date as “the most ideal spot,” though it could present a challenge for other state lawmakers looking to campaign with those seeking the nomination. They will have to balance hitting the campaign trail with the demands of a “long” legislative session. (In even-numbered years, Virginia’s legislative session tends to take on bigger pieces of legislation and write a budget.)
During the 2020 presidential campaign, South Carolina held the last primary before Super Tuesday, also on Feb. 29.Joe Biden’s winin that contest was widely credited for helping the then-candidate clinch his party’s nomination.
“Virginians should be proud that they’re in the mix, and they’ll have a really important say in who the next Democratic nominee will be,” Martin said.
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