CONCORD, N.H. – President Biden’s proposed changes to the 2024 presidential primary calendar are on a collision course with New Hampshire’s longstanding position as the first-in-the-nation primary state. New Hampshire Secretary of State, Dave Scanlan, emphasized that it is his responsibility to schedule the date of the New Hampshire primary, and that the state law dictates it must take place at least seven days before any similar event.
For over a century, New Hampshire has held the distinction of being the first primary in both the Democratic and Republican nominating calendars. However, earlier this year, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) approved President Biden’s plan to move New Hampshire down the primary schedule. The new lineup places New Hampshire as the second state to vote, along with Nevada, three days after South Carolina. This change was intended to provide better representation for Black and Hispanic voters, who play a crucial role in the Democratic Party.
While many Democrats have criticized Iowa and New Hampshire for their lack of diversity, as both states are predominantly White with few major urban areas, New Hampshire Democrats are adamant about maintaining their primary position. They argue that the DNC’s demands to expand access to early voting and change the state law protecting the primary status are unrealistic, considering the Republican control of the state government.
Scanlan, who is responsible for scheduling the primary’s date, stated that if South Carolina is scheduled as the first primary, New Hampshire’s primary would take place at least seven days before that. This would likely push the date into late January. Scanlan plans to announce the primary date after the filing period, which will happen sometime in the fall. As for President Biden, it is likely that he will avoid participating in the New Hampshire primary to avoid an unsanctioned contest.
Despite potential setbacks in unsanctioned contests, many Democrats believe that Biden’s overwhelming renomination is inevitable. They argue that the primary calendar reflects the country and provides all communities with a strong voice and vote. Democratic strategist Maria Cardona predicts that Biden will secure the nomination and be re-elected for a second term.
In New Hampshire, the battle over the primary has had a unifying effect, transcending the state’s partisan divide. Despite the polarized political atmosphere, both Republicans and Democrats unite in their support for New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation status.
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