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With an eye on 2028 presidential race, N.H. leaders mark 50th anniversary of law guarding first-in-the-nation primary

Advertisement The law that Scanlan touted, which requires his office to schedule the state's presidential primary ahead of similar contests in other states, was signed on May 27, 1975, so Tuesday's celebration was a 50th anniversary bash complete with cake and speeches. Get N.H. Morning Report A weekday newsletter delivering the N.H. news you need to know right to your inbox. Enter Email Sign Up James R. Splaine, a Democrat who 'It's democracy at its best,' he said. William Gardner, who as secretary of state from 1976 to 2022 has Advertisement Political dignitaries from both major parties are gathering now at the N.H. State House for an event celebrating 50 years since state lawmakers enshrined New Hampshire's — Steven Porter (@reporterporter) While everyone who spoke at Tuesday's event struck a proud and optimistic tone, they also acknowledged that the 2028 cycle will present another opportunity for New Hampshire's coveted status to come under threat. Critics contend New Hampshire, as one of the whitest states in the country, doesn't reflect the nation's diversity. That was a major rationale the DNC cited for pushing South Carolina to the front of the calendar in 2024, to elevate the voices of Black voters (though the DNC-endorsed calendar also boosted Biden by allowing him to skip a state where he lagged in the 2020 primary, to focus instead on a state where he had excelled). Scanlan said the criticisms based on New Hampshire's demographics are 'red herring' arguments. 'There is no state that truly reflects the makeup of America, and there is no state that is more American than any other state,' he said. Scanlan framed New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation primary as a unique and indispensable opportunity where 'the little guy' can kindle a grassroots campaign by traversing a small state filled with attentive voters who participate in state-run elections that make it relatively easy for candidates to have their names listed on the ballot. 'You don't need a lot of money,' he said. 'You don't need to have a lot of name recognition to be able to run a good campaign.' This article first appeared in Globe NH | Morning Report, our free newsletter focused on the news you need to know about New Hampshire, including great coverage from the Boston Globe and links to interesting articles from other places. If you'd like to receive it via e-mail Monday through Friday, Advertisement Steven Porter can be reached at