Washington launches push for early presidential primary in 2024

SEATTLE — The Washington State Democratic Party has entered the race to become one of the first five states to have an early presidential primary in 2024.

State party officials sent a letter of intent to the Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee on Thursday, the first step in the process. It was signed by Washington State Democratic Party Chair Tina Podlodowski, state Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins (D-Tacoma), and state Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig (D-Spokane).

States must demonstrate diversity, competitiveness, and viability to be selected, according to a news release from Washington State Democrats.

Podlodowski said Washington satisfies those requirements.

“Our state has everything a balanced nominating contest should look for: broad diversity — racially, economically, geographically, and politically — a dedicated and effective party organization and democratically-controlled government, and a shining vote-by-mail system to encourage stability and faith in the nominating process itself,” said Podlodowski.

Before Washington moved its primary to the second Tuesday in March in 2020, voters often voted or caucused for presidential candidates late in the election cycle.

“In the past, it has felt like I’m voting for somebody in this primary, but it feels like the rest of the country has decided that’s not the direction we’re going,” said Seattle voter Krystle McMaster, who would prefer a single primary day across the country.

“In general, I’m in favor of being earlier in the process. I think it behooves the people of Washington State have a say in who those candidates are,” said Caleb Heimlich, Chairman of the Washington State Republican Party.

Heimlich said if Democrats move up their primary, Republicans would have to petition their national party for a change to the same date.

But Heimlich said, compared to the past, Washington voters are already getting an earlier say.

“I am happy with the second Tuesday in March, which is where we’ve settled now,” Heimlich said.

A decision will be made sometime in early August.

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