A Democrat and Republican agree: NC primary should be first in 2028 | Opinion
We are very different people. One of us is a lifelong Democrat and member of the N.C. State Wolfpack; the other a Republican and die-hard Tar Heel. But there’s a new opportunity we strongly agree on: that in 2028, as the Democratic Party wrestles with its 2028 presidential primary calendar, no state is better suited to go first than North Carolina.
We may be biased. But, for decades North Carolina has been one of the country’s most rapidly-growing states, as Americans from all over choose to call the Old North State home. And, as veterans of national politics and multiple campaigns, we are convinced the entire country would benefit from hearing the perspective of voters in a diverse, swing state representing the largest region in the country.
North Carolina is perennially in-play. Ever since Barack Obama’s 2008 victory, both parties have fought hard for North Carolina’s 16 electoral votes and the outcome has been invariably close. Mitt Romney won by just over 2%. Donald Trump’s margins ranged from 1.3-4%.
And for much longer than that, North Carolina has been hotly contested up and down the ballot. Who can forget that our state government was led by Democratic Governor Jim Hunt, while its senior U.S. Senator was Jesse Helms?
Currently, North Carolina has two Republican Senators and a Democratic governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general. There has not been a double-digit margin of victory in a North Carolina Senate race since 1974.
North Carolina is competitive because it is home to demographics both parties must win. As such, this is not just about Democrats. Republicans should support moving North Carolina to the front of the line, as well - for the same reasons as Democrats.
As the parties look to the future, both would be invigorated by North Carolina leading the primary calendar.
One example: the classic campaign tactics of bracketing and surrogacy – rebutting an opponent’s every move and statement with key people placed to do so will help develop local political talent and rhetorical muscle memory on the Republican side. And not just members of Congress or party officials, but small town mayors and local activists. As is so often the case, early primaries create rising stars not yet known.
It’s no accident that a disproportionate percentage of top campaign staff come from the traditional early states. Let’s create that talent here!
Then there is the most glaringly obvious reason that has nothing to do with politics: economic growth.
Early political primaries are job creators, as Iowa and New Hampshire know well. Not just political jobs, but the spigot of jobs that comes with campaigns. Across Iowa and New Hampshire, in the weeks and months leading up to the primary - campaign and party aides (and journalists and news crews) bump into each other constantly.
Why? Because hotels and restaurants will be packed with people who fly in and rent cars. Meanwhile, campaigns spend a lot on printing, cell phones, laptops, office supplies, takeout food (campaign headquarters are constantly hungry), enough bottled water to fill Falls Lake and so on. Television stations and newspapers benefit. Local colleges and universities – including North Carolina’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities – would host candidate events and debates. State and county fairs become must-stops for candidates. All bringing money into local business and tax rolls.
Putting North Carolina first wouldn’t just impact the big cities. Politics here is a full-contact sport that means meeting voters where they are. From the Skylight Inn in Ayden to Bridge’s in Shelby, the North Carolina BBQ Trail will be well-worn with campaigns and media, bringing dollars with them. Though, as Winston-Salem natives, we remain partial to Mr. Barbecue.
Like we said, we have different views on many subjects. We’re even from different sides of Highway 421 – a big deal in our hometown of Lewisville (one side has the town’s only stoplight and both grocery stores...). But we know a good opportunity when we see it.
Having North Carolina go first in the 2028 Democratic primary calendar is just common sense. It will make the state an early decider, driving its economy and prestige, while giving North Carolina a greater say and developing political talent for a generation. At the same time, candidates seeking to lead the nation will have campaign structures in place for the general election – which proved a huge boost to the Obama campaign in 2008.
And if Democrats can do this, maybe Republicans should put North Carolina at the top of the primary calendar, too. After all, if we can be First in Flight, why not be First in Vote?
Andrew Bates was Senior Deputy White House Press Secretary under Joe Biden, and previously served as an Obama Administration spokesperson and on Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign. Douglas Heye served as communications director for the Republican National Committee and worked for three successful Republican Senate campaigns in the state.
This story was originally published December 8, 2025 at 6:05 AM with the headline "A Democrat and Republican agree: NC primary should be first in 2028 | Opinion."