New Hampshire announces first-in-the-nation presidential primary, defying DNC

On Wednesday, New HampshireSecretary of State William Gardner announcedthat New Hampshire will be holding its first-in-the-nation 2020 presidential primary election in defiance of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). The DNC asked all states to delay their primaries until at least mid-June in order to allow for a more fair and equitable process. However, Gardner announced that New Hampshire would be moving forward with its primary, citing the importance of New Hampshire's voice in selecting the Democratic nominee. Gardner said, “It has been a tradition in New Hampshire for over 100 years to have the first in the nation primary, and we will not give up this tradition in 2020.” He continued, “This election is too important to give up our tradition. In New Hampshire, we don’t expect anyone else to voice our opinion but us, and we won’t be silenced.” It is unclear what the consequences, if any, will be for New Hampshire's defiance of the DNC. Many in the state are hailing Gardner's decision as a courageous one, and a way to ensure that New Hampshire's voice is heard.