DNC Already Plots Strategy to Sideline Grassroots Conservatives
The Democratic National Committee is wasting no time preparing for 2028—launching plans this month that many believe are designed to shut out America First candidates before the race even begins.
DNC Chair Ken Martin revealed Sunday that the party will kick off discussions on the next presidential primary calendar at its August meeting in Minneapolis. Appearing on The Hill Sunday with NewsNation’s Chris Stirewalt, Martin confirmed that the newly restructured Rules and Bylaws Committee will be laying the groundwork.
“We’re going to start that conversation this month,” Martin said. “The committee will put forward the rules and procedures to get this going.”
Rewriting the Rules—Again
The announcement comes on the heels of growing criticism from both inside and outside the Democratic Party over how the 2024 calendar was manipulated to protect Joe Biden. At Biden’s request, early contests were moved to South Carolina and Michigan—states he was favored to win—effectively blocking meaningful primary competition.
Even Stirewalt acknowledged the party had insulated Biden “to an unhelpful degree,” especially considering he didn’t end his campaign until July—months after concerns about his mental and physical stamina went public.
Martin Claims It’ll Be ‘Fair’—But Is It?
Martin insisted that the new process would be guided by three principles:
- Rigor: “It must battle-test the nominee for the general election.”
- Efficiency: “We don’t want to bankrupt our candidates in the early stages.”
- Fairness: “All states should be allowed to compete for early-primary status.”
He added, “Any state that wants to be part of the early-states window will be considered.”
But conservatives aren’t buying it. To many, this is a repeat of 2024—where the DNC micromanaged the process to ensure control stayed with party elites and not with the American people.
Expect a Crowded Field—and Backroom Deals
Martin hinted that 2028 will likely feature a crowded Democrat primary, which is all the more reason the DNC’s calendar manipulation matters. Who gets the spotlight early can determine the race before most voters even weigh in.
The concern for conservatives and independents is simple: Will the DNC shut down dissent again? Will they bend the rules to crush any candidate not aligned with the party’s radical agenda?
Bottom Line:
The DNC’s early start on 2028 planning is less about transparency—and more about control. With MAGA momentum stronger than ever and President Trump leading a renewed America First movement, Democrats are clearly trying to rig the field before the first debate even happens.