Updated July 14, 2026
The 2028 primaries
Before the general election comes the fight for each party's nomination. The official 2028 calendar is not set yet, but here is how the primaries work, the early states to watch, and a state-by-state guide for both parties. For how the season is scheduled, see the 2028 primary calendar.
Updated July 14, 2026. Primary dates are not fully set for 2028 — this is process + state guides, not a locked calendar. Methodology · Privacy
First in line
Traditional early states
These states have often voted first. The 2028 order is not finalized.
State by state
2028 primary guide for every state
Each state runs both a Democratic and a Republican contest. Pick a state to see both.
California
54 electoral votes
Texas
40 electoral votes
Florida
30 electoral votes
New York
28 electoral votes
Illinois
19 electoral votes
Pennsylvania
19 electoral votes
Ohio
17 electoral votes
Georgia
16 electoral votes
North Carolina
16 electoral votes
Michigan
15 electoral votes
New Jersey
14 electoral votes
Virginia
13 electoral votes
Washington
12 electoral votes
Arizona
11 electoral votes
Indiana
11 electoral votes
Massachusetts
11 electoral votes
Tennessee
11 electoral votes
Colorado
10 electoral votes
Maryland
10 electoral votes
Minnesota
10 electoral votes
Missouri
10 electoral votes
Wisconsin
10 electoral votes
Alabama
9 electoral votes
South Carolina
9 electoral votes
Kentucky
8 electoral votes
Louisiana
8 electoral votes
Oregon
8 electoral votes
Connecticut
7 electoral votes
Oklahoma
7 electoral votes
Arkansas
6 electoral votes
Iowa
6 electoral votes
Kansas
6 electoral votes
Mississippi
6 electoral votes
Nevada
6 electoral votes
Utah
6 electoral votes
Nebraska
5 electoral votes
New Mexico
5 electoral votes
Hawaii
4 electoral votes
Idaho
4 electoral votes
Maine
4 electoral votes
Montana
4 electoral votes
New Hampshire
4 electoral votes
Rhode Island
4 electoral votes
West Virginia
4 electoral votes
Alaska
3 electoral votes
Delaware
3 electoral votes
District of Columbia
3 electoral votes
North Dakota
3 electoral votes
South Dakota
3 electoral votes
Vermont
3 electoral votes
Wyoming
3 electoral votes
Quick answers
2028 primaries FAQ
How does a party pick its 2028 nominee?
Each state holds a primary or caucus to allocate delegates to the candidates. Those delegates then vote at the party's national convention in the summer of 2028, and a candidate who wins a majority of delegates becomes the nominee.
When are the 2028 primaries?
The official 2028 calendar is not finalized yet. Historically, a few early states vote in January and February, a large group of states votes on Super Tuesday in early March, and the remaining states vote through about June.
What is the difference between a primary and a caucus?
A primary is a state-run election with secret ballots. A caucus is a party-run, in-person meeting where supporters gather to show their preference. Most states now use primaries.
See also: 2028 primary calendar · Democratic candidates · Republican candidates · All 2028 candidates