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Better than nothing, but only a week earlier than Virginia went in 2024. Still, kinda cool that Virginia will be in the first six states to choose the Democratic nominee for president in 2028. The fact is, looking at a bunch of metrics – a highly diverse (racially, ethnically, you name it) Dem electorate, very representative of the nation in general, mix of urban/suburban/rural, etc. – Virginia VERY much deserves to be one of the first states in the Democratic presidential nomination process, and has for years!
UPDATED Saturday morning: Check out the excellent video, below, by Jamelle Bouie, who argues (correctly, IMHO):
“If I had to design a system from scratch, or if I had to design a system recognizing that it would look a little something like this: you would have an early convention beginning of the year in which party leaders would basically choose a set of people who would be the candidates for a public primary. This would involve lots of elite jocking and everything. It’d be somewhat fluid, but not too fluid. But if you want to be on a primary ballot anywhere, you have to get through this first stage and you have to have the affirmation of delegates at this convention. Then we have a somewhat compressed primary chedule. These are binding primaries and their purpose will be for the selected candidates that come out of this convention who wins, who has the juice. And maybe you do a set of regional primaries. the winner of these primaries goes on to the summer convention to be the nominee. I’m also inclined to say the runner up be the vice president’s nominee, but we’ll let the nominee choose their vice president. But I think some combination of having the actual party have a little more say over nominees and giving voters a chance to decide for themselves as well is maybe the best bet.”
Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell Releases Statement on Virginia’s Selection as Early Presidential Primary State
Mount Vernon, VA – Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell released the following statement on the DNC’s recommendation of Virginia as an early vote state in the presidential primary:
“I am proud to see Virginia recognized by the Democratic National Committee as one of the first six states in the 2028 presidential primary calendar. This is a remarkable honor that reflects the trust national Democrats place in Virginia voters to help shape the future of our party and our nation.
As Senate Majority Leader, and as someone who previously had the privilege of chairing the Fairfax County Democratic Committee—representing a county with a population larger than eight states—I have long believed that Virginia deserves a more prominent voice in presidential politics. Our Commonwealth’s diversity, economic strength, and political importance have too often been taken for granted in the presidential process.
This early primary designation finally gives Virginia the platform it has always merited. An early and influential role in the presidential primary process elevates Virginia’s voice at a critical moment—ensuring that our values, our communities, and our vision for the future help set the direction for our entire country.
This recognition is a testament to Virginia’s diversity, our strong tradition of democratic participation, and our demonstrated commitment to electing leaders who are ready to tackle the nation’s most pressing challenges. I look forward to welcoming presidential candidates to Virginia and to seeing our voters play a decisive role in this historic election cycle.”
