The November midterm election is right around the corner, but for those seeking a break from the political campaigns, don't expect one. Democrats recently put the state early in the line-up for the party's presidential nominating contest.
"As soon as this election's over with, they're going to be right smack dab in the middle it," Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin said of Michigan voters. Presidential contenders are expected to begin announcing their runs in November and December, he said. "We'll probably have a full field in by January, and like it not, they're going to be caravanning all over the great state of Michigan trying to earn everyone's votes."
The DNC voted earlier in August to place Michigan fifth on its 2028 calendar,
making it the only state in the Midwest to hold a Democratic nominating contest before Super Tuesday. South Carolina, Nevada, New Hampshire and New Mexico will come before Michigan in the early nomination window, while Virginia will come afterward.
Michigan will hold its Democratic presidential primary on Tuesday, February 22. The Republican calendar for the 2028 presidential cycle hasn't been finalized.
In 2016, Michigan emerged as a key battleground state in the presidential election when President Donald Trump carried the state by the smallest margin of any state, making him the first GOP presidential candidate to win the state since 1988. Democratic former President Joe Biden won the state in 2020, and Trump won it again in 2024.
Among the first pieces of legislation signed by Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer after her party won a governing trifecta in 2022 was to move Michigan's presidential primary earlier to the fourth Tuesday in February. In 2024, neither party's primary was competitive in the state, but 2028 will see an open field to replace outgoing Trump.
Martin echoed other Democrats who have advocated for Michigan to weigh in early, calling it "a microcosm of America" that will ensure the party's nominee is tested by a diverse electorate that features working class households and union members.
Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel celebrated Michigan's line-up in the 2028 contest. "The road to the White House runs through Michigan, and we look forward to helping elect a Democratic president in 2028," he said in a statement.
Contact Clara Hendrickson at chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan to play key role deciding Democrats' next presidential pick
