Welcome to the Wednesday, February 15, Brew. Here's what's in store for you as you start your day: An update on the 2024 presidential primary schedule.
President Joe Biden supported a decision to make South Carolina, not New Hampshire, the first Democratic presidential primary state in 2024. This shift in the primary schedule is seen as an effort to increase diversity in the early primary states and give a voice to more minority voters.
The decision to move South Carolina up in the primary schedule has been met with mixed reactions. Some see it as a positive step towards greater representation in the primary process, while others lament the loss of New Hampshire's historic role in shaping the primary season.
Georgia's top election official scheduled the state's presidential primary for a date in mid-March, dashing the hopes of state and national Democrats who had hoped to move the state's primary up in the schedule. The decision is seen as a setback for Democrats who had hoped to compete in Georgia early on in the primary season.
The vote cements a shift in the presidential primary calendar that many Democrats have long called for and elevates states with greater diversity and larger populations. This change is seen as a positive step towards greater representation in the primary process.
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has set Georgia's presidential preference primary for March 12, 2024, dealing a blow to Democrats' hopes of competing in the state early on in the primary season. The decision is seen as a setback for Democrats who had hoped to make inroads in the traditionally Republican state.
Now that we know where the Democrats plan to hold their first 2024 presidential primary vote (South Carolina is the big winner, much to the disappointment of New Hampshire), candidates are starting to gear up for the long campaign ahead. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., will spend more than $5.5 million to run television ads in Iowa and New Hampshire as he prepares to officially join the race for the Republican nomination.
The scheduling conflict between Pennsylvania's primary and the Jewish holiday of Passover has created some controversy and raised concerns about voter disenfranchisement. This conflict gives Pennsylvania lawmakers an urgency to move the date — and leaves Jewish leaders with a familiar feeling of frustration.
Momentum is building behind changing the date of Pennsylvania's 2024 primary election, which could put the state in the thick of the primary season. This move is seen as a positive step towards greater representation in the primary process and could give Pennsylvania voters a greater voice in choosing the next president.
In conclusion, the 2024 presidential primary schedule is bringing changes and challenges for candidates and voters alike. While some are excited about the increased diversity and representation in the early primary states, others are concerned about the loss of historic roles and the potential for voter disenfranchisement. Regardless of where you stand on these issues, it's clear that the 2024 presidential election will be one to watch.
