Democrats' 2028 presidential calendar gives Black and Latino voters and union members an early say

Democrats have finalized a 2028 presidential nominating calendar that significantly alters the traditional early-state lineup, aiming to give Black and Latino voters and union members a more prominent early voice. The approved schedule places South Carolina as the leadoff state, voting on January 22, 2028, followed by Nevada on February 1.

“

You have to be battle-tested in a way that you already have campaigned in front of and for the support of various communities throughout the country.

This decision marks a departure from the long-standing tradition of Iowa and New Hampshire initiating the presidential primary season. The new plan, endorsed by the Democratic National Committee at its meeting in Texas, also includes New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia in the early voting window throughout February. DNC Chairman Ken Martin emphasized that the calendar is designed to ensure candidates are "battle-tested" by campaigning among diverse communities across the country, a crucial element for winning the general election.

Party strategists believe this revised order offers candidates the best opportunity to reclaim the White House after the current Republican presidential term. "They have to show that they can go to the South and talk to Black voters and rural voters, as well as out west, talking ranching and mining issues, to a border state, to union members," said Karen Finney, a party strategist. She added, "Whoever survives will be battle-tested."

“

They have to show that they can go to the South and talk to Black voters and rural voters, as well as out west, talking ranching and mining issues, to a border state, to union members. Whoever survives will be battle-tested.

Former presidential candidate Howard Dean, who previously served as national party chairman, recalled solidifying Nevada and South Carolina as early states. He views the latest change as an improvement, stating that these states "look more like the country" as a whole compared to Iowa and New Hampshire. South Carolina, as the first Southern primary, has historically been more decisive for nominees like Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Joe Biden, largely due to its significant Black electorate.

“

These states look more like the country, whereas Iowa and New Hampshire don't.

With Nevada and New Mexico following, the new calendar necessitates candidates actively courting Latino voters early in the process. While the shift away from Iowa and New Hampshire might change how lesser-known candidates gain momentum, the emphasis is now on engaging with a broader and more diverse electorate from the outset. As Finney put it, "If you can't go to every part of this country and make your case, you should not be running for president."

“

If you can't go to every part of this country and make your case, you should not be running for president.