South Carolina nears first 2028 Democratic presidential primary state status

South Carolina is on the verge of securing its position as the first state to host the Democratic presidential primary in 2028. The Democratic National Committee's Rules and Bylaws Committee has recommended the Palmetto State for this early slot following a meeting on Friday.

The full DNC will vote on the proposed calendar next month in Austin, Texas. Nevada was the other leading contender for the early primary position. The committee deliberated on whether to prioritize the party's most consistent voting bloc or the nation's fastest-growing demographic group.

During a presentation in May, South Carolina representatives emphasized the state's importance, particularly in light of the Supreme Court's decision on the Voting Rights Act and its implications for Black representation in the South. South Carolina also held the first Democratic presidential primary in 2024.

Advocates for South Carolina's early status contend that removing it would be a significant slight to the Democratic Party's Black voters. "This decision is bigger than South Carolina. It's about whether the Democratic Party will stand with the voters who have stood with the party through everything," stated South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain in May. She questioned whether the party would support its most faithful voters or sideline them from leading the primary process.

“

This decision is bigger than South Carolina. It's about whether the Democratic Party will stand with the voters who have stood with the party through everything. Will Democrats meet this moment by supporting the communities on the front lines of defending democracy, or will the Democratic Party tell their most faithful voters they no longer deserve to lead the primary process?