State lawmakers in New York unveiled a bill this week proposing that the state’s 2028 presidential primary be held on Super Tuesday, the day when many states conduct their primaries and caucuses. The proposal, led by State Senator James Skoufis and Assemblymember Landon Dais, seeks to restore New York’s influence in the presidential nomination process, which has waned in recent election cycles.
“Despite our population’s size, economic and cultural importance, and deep diversity, New York’s role in picking our nation’s presidential nominees has been relegated to the sidelines by a primary date that arrives too late to matter,” Skoufis remarked. “With this bill, our votes will count.”
Currently, New York’s presidential primaries are held in April or later, often after the outcome of the nomination has already been largely decided. Skoufis noted that states such as California, Texas, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia have become regular Super Tuesday participants, giving voters their greater influence over the selection of candidates.
The bill has already garnered nearly 20 Democratic co-sponsors, representing roughly half of the chamber’s majority, and additional lawmakers have expressed informal support. Skoufis emphasized that the legislation would only affect the presidential primary and would not alter the scheduling of state and federal primaries.
“By fixing our primary to one of the nation’s biggest election days, we can give every New Yorker the opportunity to help select the next President and ensure our communities count where it matters most,” Dais added.
Supporters argue that the change would encourage candidates to engage more directly with New York voters, address local concerns, and invest in the state beyond fundraising visits. Skoufis further explained that the timing of the legislation is deliberate, ensuring New York aligns with national party rules as the Democratic National Committee finalizes the 2028 primary calendar.
Governor Kathy Hochul’s office declined to take a position on the proposal, noting that the governor would review any bill that passes both houses of the legislature.
