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Acclaimed Filmmaker Ken Burns Urges Democrats to Restore New Hampshire’s First-in-Nation Primary Status
Renowned documentary filmmaker Ken Burns has called on the Democratic National Committee (DNC) to reinstate New Hampshire as the lead-off state in the party’s 2028 presidential nominating calendar, emphasizing the state’s unique political culture and citizen-focused approach to democracy.
In a letter to the DNC’s Rules & Bylaws Committee obtained by Fox News Digital, Burns, a longtime New Hampshire resident, made a passionate case for returning the Granite State to its traditional position, which it held for a century before being displaced in the 2024 cycle.
“I’m writing to you today both as a Granite Stater who has witnessed firsthand how New Hampshire’s First in the Nation Primary has helped move our democracy forward, and a historical filmmaker who, in this particularly challenging moment, is concerned for the future of our country,” Burns wrote ahead of the committee’s meeting in Puerto Rico.
The acclaimed documentarian, who lives in the small southwestern New Hampshire town of Walpole, highlighted what he sees as the state’s essential role in American democracy: “I know of no people better suited to help begin the journey to maintain true freedom, to re-light that sacred fire, than the people of the Live Free or Die State.”
Burns’ intervention comes at a critical juncture as the DNC begins evaluating applications from New Hampshire and nearly a dozen other states vying for early spots in the 2028 primary calendar. The party is already looking ahead to reclaiming the White House after the 2024 election, which resulted in Republican Donald Trump winning a second non-consecutive term.
The DNC’s 2024 calendar change created significant friction within the party. Despite being officially demoted in the schedule, New Hampshire held its primary ahead of South Carolina anyway, adhering to a state law requiring it to maintain its first-in-the-nation primary status. This resulted in an unsanctioned election with the state’s delegates initially banned from the Democratic convention, though they were later reinstated as the party sought unity.
New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley, who sits on the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee, praised Burns’ advocacy. “Ken Burns is a beloved, internationally respected storyteller of America,” Buckley told Fox News Digital. “Ken is trusted, he knows his stuff, he speaks with such clarity and authority that he gets people to sit up and listen.”
The debate over New Hampshire’s position reflects broader tensions within the Democratic Party about representation and diversity. Critics have long argued that both Iowa and New Hampshire—traditionally the first two states in the nomination process—lack racial diversity and major urban centers that better reflect the party’s base. This reasoning led the DNC to add Nevada and South Carolina to the early calendar two decades ago, and ultimately to elevate South Carolina to the lead position in 2024.
New Hampshire Democrats counter that their state’s tradition of retail politics, highly engaged voters, high participation rates, and swing state status in general elections make it ideally suited for its historic role. They point to the state’s intimate scale, which allows candidates with limited resources to compete through direct voter engagement rather than relying primarily on expensive media campaigns.
The Rules and Bylaws Committee isn’t expected to finalize the 2028 calendar until later this year. Meanwhile, the Republican National Committee has already begun the process of maintaining its traditional calendar sequence for 2028, with the Iowa caucuses first followed by New Hampshire’s primary.
The calendar debate comes at a pivotal moment for Democrats, who are already assessing potential candidates for 2028 while navigating the challenges of the next four years under a Republican administration.
Burns’ intervention adds a culturally significant voice to the discussion, potentially influencing how the DNC weighs tradition against calls for greater demographic representation in its nominating process.
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9 Comments
As a political observer, I’m intrigued by Ken Burns’ advocacy for New Hampshire’s primary. His insights as a filmmaker and resident of the state carry significant weight. However, the DNC will need to weigh multiple factors in their decision-making.
While I respect Ken Burns’ views, I’m not sure that restoring New Hampshire’s lead-off status is the best path forward for the Democratic Party. There are valid arguments on both sides of this issue that the DNC will need to weigh carefully.
I’d be curious to hear more about the potential downsides of keeping New Hampshire first. What alternative approaches might the DNC consider to make the primary process more equitable and representative?
This is an interesting perspective on the importance of New Hampshire’s primary in the democratic process. As a filmmaker, Ken Burns likely has unique insights into the state’s political culture and the value of its grassroots approach to elections.
I agree that the DNC should carefully consider reinstating New Hampshire’s primary status. Preserving the state’s influential role could help ensure a more engaged and representative nominating process.
This is an important discussion for the future of the Democratic Party and the health of our democracy more broadly. While I respect Ken Burns’ perspective, I’m not sure that preserving New Hampshire’s status quo is the best solution.
I’d encourage the DNC to thoroughly examine all options and seek input from a diverse range of stakeholders as they work to reshape the primary calendar. A thoughtful, inclusive process is essential.
As someone with a keen interest in politics and American history, I find this debate over the Democratic primary calendar to be quite fascinating. The role of New Hampshire is certainly a complex issue with no easy answers.
I appreciate Ken Burns’ passionate defense of New Hampshire’s primary, but I’m also sympathetic to the arguments for reform. It will be interesting to see how the DNC navigates this tricky political landscape.