In the 2024 presidential race countdown, New York is actively considering holding its primary on April 2, according to sources familiar with the current planning process.

The choice of date could pave the way for New York to join a potential regional primary day, together with Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

Reports suggest that New York’s alignment with these states on a single primary day could result in a notable advantage: an increase in the number of delegates awarded at the Democratic National Convention.

The Democratic Party’s regulations permit a 15 percent boost in delegate count when states coordinate their voting dates with at least two neighboring states.

While the proposed date is yet to be formalized, sources indicate that an official announcement is expected shortly.

Traditionally, the primary date selection is a legislative matter approved via a bill passed by the state legislature.

This typically occurs before members adjourn for the summer in the preceding year of a presidential election.

The confirmation is imminent, with this year’s adjournment date scheduled for June 8.

The choice of date usually results from recommendations by the state parties, considering logistical considerations and national party regulations.

2016, for instance, the primary was held on April 19, selected to avoid a clash with Passover and school board elections.

The initial choice for 2020 was April 28, a decision to maximize delegate numbers.

However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the primary was eventually canceled and rescheduled to June 23 following a lawsuit.

This time, lawmakers in Connecticut are one step ahead, having progressed a bill establishing April 2 as the date for their state primary.

On the other hand, Pennsylvania’s initial date, set for April 23, is under reconsideration to accommodate Passover.

As a result, lawmakers debate between March 19 and April 2.

According to Pennsylvania Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa, a burgeoning consensus for the April 2 date would uphold the state’s traditional 13-week election cycle and avoid any overlap with holiday periods.

However, the 2024 scheduling process in New York stands out from previous years due to a critical factor: the Democrats now hold sway over both chambers of the state legislature.

As such, the selection of the primary date, usually a bipartisan decision, will now rest solely in the hands of the Democratic Party.

Reflecting on the implications of this shift in power dynamics, State Republican Chair Ed Cox acknowledged that the decision-making process now largely falls under the purview of the Democrats.

Reminiscing on the bipartisan dialogue that led to the date in 2016, Cox recognized that the upcoming campaign would be significantly influenced by the Democrats’ choice of date for the primary.

As anticipation mounts for the official confirmation, the political landscape of New York awaits an exciting presidential primary season in 2024.