New Hampshire solidifying its position as the first primary contest.
New Hampshire Fights to Maintain First-in-the-Nation Primary Status
New Hampshire lawmakers are engaged in a heated battle with the White House over the plans for the 2024 presidential primary. This clash defies the state law that mandates New Hampshire to hold the first primary contest in the country.
Since 1920, New Hampshire has proudly held the first-in-the-nation primary, with state law declaring that the secretary of state sets the presidential primary at least seven days ahead of any other state’s primary.
Democratic National Committee’s Proposed Changes
In December 2022, the Democratic National Committee proposed a path to reshape its primary calendar for 2024. The plan suggested that South Carolina host the first presidential primary on Feb. 3, followed by New Hampshire and Nevada.
In February, a DNC panel approved a presidential primary calendar that moved South Carolina to the first nominating state, breaking away from New Hampshire’s laws. This plan surpassed Iowa, which traditionally held the first major electoral event of presidential caucuses and primaries.
New Hampshire and Nevada would jointly hold their primaries on Feb. 6, three days after South Carolina leads the way.
Potential Impact on President Biden
If South Carolina becomes the first primary, President Biden may not appear on the ballot in New Hampshire. To align with state law and defy the DNC, the president would likely avoid the contest, creating an unsanctioned primary.
This decision could open the door for challengers Marianne Williamson and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to appear on the ballot and secure delegates for themselves.
Fighting to Preserve Tradition
Top lawmakers in New Hampshire, including Ray Buckley, chairman of the New Hampshire Democratic Party, and Chris Ager, New Hampshire Republican Party chairman, are determined to maintain the state’s 100-year tradition of leading the nation’s nominating system.
Buckley expressed concerns that the DNC’s decision could jeopardize New Hampshire’s four electoral votes. However, he remains confident that the state will retain its first-in-the-nation status.
Ager emphasized the importance of New Hampshire’s ability to hold the first primary, stating that the United States is better off because of it. He continues to pressure the president and the DNC to reconsider their actions.
Continued Negotiations
Both Buckley and Ager have been in communication with President Biden and the DNC, urging them to revise their proposed changes to the primary calendar. They believe there is still time to revisit the plan.
New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation status is a unifying issue for the state, transcending political ideologies. The state House of Representatives, almost equally divided between Republicans and Democrats, stands united in preserving this tradition.
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