Democrats Keep South Carolina First in 2028 Presidential Primary Lineup

Democrats have moved to retain South Carolina as the first state to cast ballots in their 2028 presidential primary process. The decision, made by the Democratic National Committee's (DNC) rules and bylaws committee, also advances several other states in the calendar, aiming to better represent the party's racially diverse electorate.

South Carolina secured the first spot with a narrow majority vote, scheduled for January 22, 2028. Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia are set to follow in that order. These selections await final confirmation from the full DNC next month.

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We have a record that all of us can point to and be proud of. It’s a relatively small state. It has four distinct cultures, a relatively cheap media market, and demographics that reflect what our voter population needs to be in order for our candidates to be successful in the general election.

The committee co-chairs described the proposed calendar as "a rigorous, fair, and efficient calendar that will win Democrats back the White House in 2028." South Carolina's primary voters were instrumental in revitalizing Joe Biden's 2020 presidential campaign, leading him to encourage the DNC to grant the state the first voting position for 2024. This move had previously supplanted New Hampshire and Iowa, states traditionally holding the first nominating contests.

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When we go into the next presidential cycle, my state, the state of Nevada, is that coalition that we need to win back.

Both New Hampshire and Iowa are predominantly white. As Democrats increasingly rely on Black, Latino, and other minority voters for electoral success, the party has prioritized states with larger minority populations to be at the front of the nominating calendar. These early states play a crucial role in shaping the field of presidential frontrunners.

Supporters of South Carolina's position highlighted its diverse demographics, which they believe reflect the necessary voter base for general election success. Nevada's representatives argued their state offers an ideal racial mix and noted its importance as a battleground state. The newly selected early voting states are considered key presidential battlegrounds or host closely contested Senate and House races, featuring substantial Black and Latino populations, as well as voters in unions or without college degrees, constituencies that have posed challenges for Democratic candidates in recent elections.

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a rigorous, fair, and efficient calendar that will win Democrats back the White House in 2028