National Democratic committee recommends New Mexico move up on the calendar for presidential primary

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Lujan Grisham in May told DNC leaders that the state has “everything to offer” for the national party, citing its status as a border state with a majority-minority population, a range of sovereign Native American nations and a working-class populace that has “more in common with red states than blue.”

In a statement Friday, Lujan Frisham said she appreciated the DNC committee members taking her pitch seriously.

“For years, I’ve said the same thing: you cannot show up for Hispanic voters in November after Democrats have already picked a nominee. You have to engage with them from the start. Today, national Democrats agreed,” she wrote. “New Mexico is the most Hispanic state in America, and we’re the only border state in this early window. Now, candidates who want to be taken seriously on immigration and the border are going to have to come to New Mexico and earn it.”

She cited recent policy achievements, such as universal childcare and tuition-free college, as models for the rest of the nation.

“Making New Mexico an early primary state will help put our state on the national stage, increase investment in our communities, expand our tourism economy and give New Mexicans a stronger voice in shaping the policies of our nation,” Lujan Grisham said.

While the committee didn’t put New Mexico at the top of the order, it did vote to move New Mexico’s presidential primary election to Feb. 15, 2028, placing it fourth behind South Carolina on Jan. 22, Nevada on Feb. 1 and New Hampshire on Feb. 8.

The DNC is expected to vote on the current proposal at its August meeting in Austin.

In a statement, Democratic Party of New Mexico Chair Sara Attleson said she was “thrilled” by the recommendation and said the state has proven itself as the “blueprint for implementing the policies that define our party’s values.”

“We believe that New Mexico deserves to be a player on the national political stage and our voters deserve to have their voices heard,” she said. “Although months ago, many would have counted New Mexico out, Democrats from across the state pulled together to make our case and help us convince the Rules and Bylaws Committee. From our party volunteers and caucuses, state legislative leaders, our federal congressional delegation, the All Pueblo Council of Governors, and of course, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, this was truly a team effort from a broad coalition.”