Iowa House Minority Leader Brian Meyer is pushing to restore Iowa’s position after a 2023 DNC move, citing Midwest values.
DES MOINES, Iowa — Some Iowa Democratic Party leaders are pushing for a return of the traditional first caucus system after the DNC decided to officially let South Carolina kick things off in 2024. Iowa House Minority Leader Brian Meyer (D-Des Moines) told Local 5 the state has something to offer that others don’t.
“I think it’s self-evident that we have a common sense here in the Midwest that could really help national Democrats moving forward,” Meyer said.
But to Meyer, it’s more than the first-in-the-nation status. It’s also about preserving the traditional, in-person caucus system. In 2024, Democrats in the state took mail-in ballots from January until Super Tuesday.
“What needs to happen is candidates need to come shake hands, kiss babies, learn about issues, learn about what Iowans care about,” Meyer said.
While South Carolina was the first officially sanctioned primary in the 2024 process, New Hampshire went out on its own and held an unofficial primary. Meyer said that’s an idea that’s been floated during his conversations with people.
“80% of the people are saying ‘I agree with you. We need to bring the caucuses back, even if we need to buck the National Party,'” Meyer said. “And then about 20% of people are like, ‘No, they’re they’re of a bygone era and we just need to move forward and let the National Democratic Party dictate to us what where we’re going to be.'”
As far as Republicans go, state GOP Chair Jeff Kaufmann says President Donald Trump’s visit to Des Moines last week is a good sign for his party’s future in the role.
“We’ve continued to do that, and I have every intention, but we still have to be named first in the nation,” Kaufmann said. “This is a huge step in that direction.”
There have been some early indicators that Iowa could play a role in 2028 for Democrats. Potential candidates like Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Pete Buttigieg have already held town halls in the state, and Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego scheduled to appear at the state fair.
