When are the 2028 presidential primaries?
The Democratic primaries begin with South Carolina on January 22, 2028, under the calendar the DNC approved in August 2026. Republicans approved Iowa as their first contest in September 2026 but have not announced dates. Most states vote by June 2028.
As of mid-2026, neither the Democratic National Committee nor the Republican National Committee has published an official 2028 primary calendar. Both parties typically finalize their delegate rules and state-by-state schedules roughly 12-18 months before the first votes are cast, which means an official calendar is expected in 2026 or 2027.
Historically, the presidential primary season begins in January or February of the election year. The first-in-the-nation contests - Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary - have traditionally opened the calendar, though both parties have debated and in some cases reshuffled that order in recent cycles.
After the early states, a large cluster of states typically votes on Super Tuesday in early March, followed by additional primaries through April, May, and June. Delegates awarded in these contests determine who earns each party's nomination.
For the most accurate 2028 primary dates, follow announcements from the DNC, RNC, and your state's official election authority as the calendar firms up over the next year or two.
Related questions
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Related explainers
Super Tuesday 2028 has not been officially scheduled yet. Based on historical patterns it will likely fall in early March 2028, but party rules and state decisions will set the exact date.
Primary voters choose delegates who will represent them at the party's national convention. The candidate who wins enough delegates - typically a majority - becomes the party's nominee.
A primary is a standard secret-ballot election run by the state government. A caucus is a series of local party meetings where participants publicly declare their support and may be persuaded before delegates are allocated.
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