South Carolina Chosen to Lead 2028 Democratic Primary Calendar

The Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee voted 26‑19‑4 to make South Carolina the first state to hold a Democratic presidential primary in the 2028 election cycle, moving Iowa off the early‑state lineup for the first time in decades. Nevada will follow on February 1, with New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan and Virginia completing a six‑state early‑window that must still be ratified by the full DNC at its August meeting.

The decision was framed as a move to give greater influence to the party’s diverse coalition, especially Black voters. Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb said, “Black voters didn’t just show up for this party in 2020. They saved us.” South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain called the vote “a commitment to competing in the South” and highlighted the importance of Black and rural voters. Supporters also cited the need to reflect Latino voters, with Nevada’s advocates arguing their state offers a crucial multiracial working‑class coalition.

By reshaping the early calendar, the DNC aims to shape the field of candidates, campaign spending and media attention in what is expected to be a crowded, open primary contest.