As the Democratic National Committee (DNC) convened in Minneapolis this week, the party found itself at a crossroads—torn between tradition, internal divisions, and a rapidly shifting political landscape. The summer meeting, which began on August 25, 2025, is the first major gathering since Ken Martin took over as DNC chair six months ago, and it’s already shaping up to be a defining moment for Democrats hoping to reclaim unity and momentum ahead of the 2028 presidential race.
At the heart of the Minneapolis meeting is a heated debate over the presidential primary calendar—a perennial flashpoint for party insiders, state officials, and would-be kingmakers. According to Axios, Iowa Democrats, once the undisputed hosts of the first-in-the-nation caucuses, are making a spirited bid to reclaim their spot after being sidelined in 2024 due to a flawed caucus rollout and the DNC’s decision to move South Carolina to the front of the line. Rita Hart, chairperson of the Iowa Democratic Party, argued in a press call that “sidelining Iowa again wouldn’t benefit the local or the national party.” She added, “It did not help us here in Iowa and it did not help us long-term for the national Democratic cause for the presidential cycle.”
The stakes are high for Iowa Democrats, who saw their influence wane after relying on mail-in ballots in 2024 and watching the state shift even further toward the GOP in November. For months, state party leaders have been quietly strategizing a 2028 caucus comeback, launching grassroots networks to broaden appeal—especially in rural areas. In a move to gather input, Iowa Democrats recently launched a survey for previous caucus participants, asking for their views on the timing of the caucus process and the importance of following DNC rules. The results, expected in December, could shape the party’s next steps.
But Iowa isn’t the only state in the spotlight. According to POLITICO, the DNC may have no choice but to restore New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation primary status in 2028, given the state’s deep political roots and the fierce competition among states to set the tone for the presidential nominating contest. The debate is suffused with issues of race, region, class, and the pride of state leaders eager to play kingmaker. As POLITICO notes, “Chuckle as you may, the process can be (deeply) political, and little gets Democratic insiders stirred up quite like where and when to begin their presidential nominating contest.”
This week’s DNC meeting is only the beginning of the calendar fight. The Rules and Bylaws Committee, which plays a crucial role in determining the order of the presidential nominating process, is expected to outline the process and timeline for selecting which states go first, though the final calendar likely won’t be completed until 2027. In a twist reported by KCCI and Axios, Scott Brennan—formerly Iowa’s only member on the committee—was recently removed, raising questions about the state’s influence moving forward.
Ken Martin, the new DNC chair, is no stranger to tough battles. As AP reports, Martin told reporters, “I think the greatest divide right now in our party, frankly, is not ideological. The greatest divide is those people who are standing up and fighting and those who are sitting on the sidelines.” He’s vowed to use “every single lever of power” to take the fight to President Donald Trump and his Republican allies, but he faces considerable headwinds within his own party.
Internal strife is palpable. The DNC’s cash reserves are at their lowest in five years—$14 million in the bank at the end of July, compared to the Republican National Committee’s $84 million, according to federal filings cited by AP. Big donors are reportedly burnt out after the bruising 2024 election, forcing the DNC to turn to smaller-dollar donors to fill the gap. “Money will not be the ultimate determinant in this (midterm) election,” Martin insisted. “We’ve been making investments, record investments, in our state parties. … We have the money to operate. We’re not in a bad position.”
Yet, not everyone is convinced. At least a couple of DNC members privately considered a vote of no confidence against Martin due to the financial situation, but the effort fizzled when critics failed to gain sufficient support. Jeanna Repass, chair of the Kansas Democratic Party, summed up the mood: “There are no magic fixes. He is trying to lead at a time where everyone wants it to be fixed right now. And it’s just not going to happen.”
Party unity is further threatened by sharp policy disagreements. The Israel-Hamas war emerged as a flashpoint at the Minneapolis meeting, with competing resolutions on the table. One resolution, according to AP, would have the DNC “encourage Democratic members of Congress to suspend military aid to Israel, establish an arms embargo and recognize Palestine as a country.” It highlights the loss of over 60,000 Palestinian lives and the displacement of 1.7 million people “at the hands of the Israeli government.” By contrast, Martin’s leadership offered a competing resolution calling for a two-state solution and referencing “the suffering of both Palestinians and Israelis,” but without specific casualty figures or a call for an arms embargo. The debate underscores deep divisions within the party over foreign policy and its message to voters.
Meanwhile, the DNC is also wrestling with broader questions about its identity and strategy. As POLITICO and other commentaries highlight, Democrats face external challenges such as Republican-led gerrymandering in Texas and California, which could complicate efforts to retake the House in 2026. There’s also growing concern over Republican efforts to impose new work requirements on Medicaid—moves that, according to policy experts cited in The Editorial Board, could push millions off the program. And former President Trump’s push to dictate election procedures nationwide has alarmed many Democrats, with The New York Times describing his plans as a “stunning power grab.”
Amid these challenges, Martin and his allies are urging a renewed focus on the economy. “There’s no doubt we have to get back to a message that resonates with voters,” Martin told AP. “And focusing on an economic agenda is the thing that brings all parts of our coalition and Americans into the conversation.” The Minneapolis meeting features a trio of presidential prospects—Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar—each hoping to help shape the party’s direction as it heads toward 2028.
On the other side of the aisle, Iowa GOP Chair Jeff Kaufmann made clear that the Republican Party of Iowa intends to move forward with a “true, in-person caucus in 2028, with or without the Iowa Democrats’ cooperation.” The Republican Party’s confidence is buoyed not only by recent electoral gains in Iowa but also by a national environment where redistricting and legislative maneuvers could help them maintain control of Congress.
For Democrats, the path forward is anything but clear. The party is grappling with old traditions, new realities, and the urgent need to reconnect with key segments of its base—working-class voters, young people, and communities of color. As the DNC meeting continues through Wednesday, party officials are hoping to chart a course that will restore confidence, rebuild unity, and set the stage for a competitive 2028 contest. The coming months—and the decisions made in Minneapolis—will go a long way in determining whether they succeed.
