Michigan is the only Midwestern state included among the early contests in the Democratic presidential nominating calendar for 2028.
The calendar, approved by the Democratic National Committee over the weekend, begins with South Carolina on Jan. 22, followed by Nevada, New Hampshire and New Mexico. Michigan is next, on Feb. 22, followed by Virginia.
The DNC said the early calendar features key battleground states, including Michigan and Nevada.
“Michigan needs to fasten its seat belts. I think this is going to be a wild ride for the state,” said Richard Czuba of the Glengariff Group.
Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel said in a statement: “This new calendar, with Michigan as the fifth state, will make sure our 2028 nominee is battle-tested and able to win nationwide.
The road to the White House runs through Michigan, and we look forward to helping elect a Democratic president in 2028.”
Czuba said Michigan’s early placement will bring more national attention to the state.
“A whole lot of national figures are going to pay attention to Michigan. They’re going to learn about Michigan’s problems,” he said.
Czuba said this year’s U.S. Senate race could influence the 2028 presidential primary. The Democratic primary between Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens highlighted how closely divided the party is.
“Progressives all got behind Abdul El-Sayed. They have got to deliver this seat in Michigan this year.
If they do not, their case for a progressive nominee for president evaporates, because what it shows is that they would have trouble winning in the Upper Midwest with a progressive presidential candidate,” Czuba said.