Conn. the perfect early primary state

For decades, states like Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina have reaped the enormous benefits of holding their primary contests before everyone else’s. I strongly believe that it is time that Connecticut becomes one of these early primary states to earn ourselves some of the same major advantages.

Recently, the Democratic National Committee finally opened the door to reform the party’s early primary calendar for 2024 and beyond. I urge the Connecticut Democratic Party to apply for one of these incredibly significant slots by submitting a letter of intent to the DNC before the required May 6 deadline.

Historically, early primary states have held significant influence in selecting the eventual presidents of the United States. Every four years, these states become the center of the political universe, receiving outsized attention from presidential candidates and the national press. More importantly, their economies consistently collect an influx of increased investment during the primary season.

I feel that Connecticut is the perfect state to hold an early presidential primary and that our residents would undoubtedly rise to the responsibility.

Our state is significantly more diverse than Iowa or New Hampshire in almost every way. We have substantial racial diversity with our thriving Black, Hispanic and Asian American communities. We have clear regional diversity between our bustling urban centers and quieter suburbs. And we even have notable economic diversity with our residents coming from every financial background imaginable.

Demographically, Connecticut is almost the ideal microcosm of the United States. As such, the issues that the state faces are highly representative of the overall national climate.

Additionally, our state’s brand of politics is uniquely personal in nature. Residents take an active role in participating in their local democracy by becoming highly familiar with the candidates and issues of the day. This type of vetting will reward presidential candidates with the most substance and depth, as should ideally be the case.

A state of Connecticut’s comfortable but not overwhelming size would also allow the opportunity for lesser known candidates to potentially thrive (if impressive enough), which may not be possible in a larger state.

The best overall candidate should be selected as the Democratic nominee for president of the United States. I am highly confident in our state’s ability to determine who that is in any given situation.