2028 Democratic presidential calendar gives early voice to ethnic minorities and unions

The Democratic Party has approved a 2028 presidential primary calendar that significantly alters the traditional order, aiming to give early influence to states with diverse electorates. Under the new schedule, South Carolina will lead off the primaries on January 22, 2028, followed by Nevada on February 1. This marks a departure from Iowa's long-held position as the first state to vote.

Other states scheduled for early voting in February include New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia. Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin emphasized that the revised calendar is designed to ensure candidates gain experience campaigning among diverse communities across the nation, a crucial step for winning the general election. He stated that candidates must demonstrate their ability to connect with Black voters in the South, rural communities, and union members in border states.

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You have to be battle-tested in a way that you have already campaigned in front of, and to get the support of, diverse communities across the country.

Former presidential candidate Howard Dean, who previously led the DNC, supported the change, noting that states like South Carolina and Nevada better reflect the overall demographic makeup of the United States compared to Iowa and New Hampshire. The inclusion of South Carolina is particularly significant, as it has historically played a decisive role in nominating candidates who appeal to its large Black electorate, a key voting bloc for Democrats. This shift is expected to compel candidates to focus on mobilizing Latino voters from the outset, given Nevada's early position in the schedule.

However, Rita Hart, chair of the Iowa Democratic Party, expressed concern that omitting Iowa from the early stages sidelines important voter voices and could benefit Republicans, who are expected to prioritize Iowa in their own calendar. The new calendar aims to ensure that contenders for the nomination are battle-tested and capable of building broad coalitions necessary to reclaim the White House.

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These states look more like the country.