Nevada voters will have early say in 2028 presidential nominations for both parties

Nevada voters from both major parties will again have an early say in who they want to be their next presidential nominee.

During its atypical Republican National Committee midterm convention in Texas last week, the party affirmed its 2028 presidential primary schedule that maintains the Nevada Republican Party’s third position.

Meanwhile, the Nevada State Democratic Party’s bid to host their national counterpart’s first presidential primary fell short this summer, although the party kept its No. 2 spot.

Nevada switched from a caucus system to a presidential preference primary under a 2021 state law. Those contests are mandated to take place the first Tuesday in February during General Election years.

In 2028, that date falls on Feb. 1.

Last presidential election cycle, the Nevada Republican Party unsuccessfully sued to block the state’s official process for Republicans. Nevertheless, the party and President Donald Trump skipped it in favor of caucuses two days later, which designated delegates.

It wasn’t clear Monday what direction the party will take in 2028. The Nevada Republican Party and Chairman Michael McDonald did not immediately return messages seeking comment.

Nevada Democrats are pursuing the official route.

“In the 2028 presidential election, we will finally have the chance to put this national nightmare behind us,” said Nevada State Democratic Party Executive Director Sabrina Maki in a Monday statement. “As the first true test in the early calendar, Nevada will play a key role in deciding our presidential nominee and the best candidate to ensure Democrats take back the White House.”

During the 2024 caucuses, Trump received more than 99 percent of the vote against long-shot candidate Ryan Binkley.

Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who also was a United Nations ambassador, chose to run in the Nevada primary two days earlier, placing second place to “none of the candidates.”

“As Republicans gather in Dallas to keep our majorities and continue America’s comeback, we’re also laying the groundwork for 2028,” said RNC Chairman Joe Gruters in a statement. “Today’s vote preserves the path to the Republican presidential nomination and gives our voters a strong voice in the process.”

No Republican or Democrat has publicly declared an intention to launch an upcoming presidential campaign, although they still have plenty of time to decide.

National Democrats seen as potential 2028 presidential candidates, such as California Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris, have visited Nevada in recent months.

In their campaign to secure the Democratic National Committee’s “first-in-the-nation” status, Nevada Democrats highlighted the state’s diversity, geography and media market that they say makes Nevada an ideal location for candidates to campaign and test their platforms.