CNN reporter Edward Isaac-Dovere indicated on July 26, 2026, that some states, notably New Hampshire, might defy the Democratic National Committee's (DNC) primary calendar and schedule their presidential primaries independently. He stated that "nobody" is intimidated by DNC Chair Ken Martin, suggesting limited influence of the national party over state decisions.

During CNN's "Inside Politics," Isaac-Dovere noted, "There is the possibility that a state could choose to not follow the DNC here and hold its primary when they want to," with CNN host Manu Raju adding that New Hampshire intends to pursue this path. New Hampshire state law requires its primary election to be held at least seven days before any other state’s primary.

The DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee recently selected South Carolina over Nevada to host the first presidential nominating contest in 2028, emphasizing the party's focus on Black voters, a key Democratic constituency. This decision followed intense lobbying from South Carolina, Nevada, New Hampshire, and Iowa, all vying for early primary status.

The New Hampshire Democratic Party criticized the national party's approach, with Chair Ray Buckley stating the DNC "didn't learn anything from 2024." Although the DNC had threatened to withhold New Hampshire's delegates to enforce compliance, delegates were ultimately restored in April 2024, ending prior disputes.

Isaac-Dovere also mentioned that Ken Martin, as DNC chair, could only be removed if he resigned. Reports have surfaced of internal conflicts, including an HR complaint against Martin for allegedly throwing his phone onto a junior aide’s desk.

This situation highlights ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party as it prepares for the 2026 and 2028 election cycles.

Sources