Democrats select South Carolina to lead 2028 presidential nomination calendar

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, July 26, 2026

The Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee voted to place South Carolina first in the 2028 presidential primary calendar, removing Iowa from its traditional early-state role. This shift aims to better reflect the party’s diverse electorate and elevate Black and Latino voters’ influence, though it faces opposition from Iowa and New Hampshire officials.

The Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee voted Friday to place South Carolina at the forefront of the party’s 2028 presidential nominating calendar, marking a significant departure from longstanding tradition by excluding Iowa from the early-state lineup entirely. The proposal now awaits approval from the full DNC, which is scheduled to convene in August.

Under the proposed schedule, South Carolina will be followed by Nevada, with New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia completing the early-state sequence. These contests will hold considerable influence ahead of Super Tuesday, when a large number of states hold their primaries.

DNC Chair Ken Martin described the new calendar as one that will rigorously test candidates while reflecting the party’s diverse coalition. He emphasized that the format empowers voters over financial influence in determining the nominee.

The calendar overhaul is part of the Democratic Party’s broader effort to elevate states that better represent its demographic base, including Black and Latino voters, after years of relying on Iowa and New Hampshire, states with predominantly white electorates, to lead the nomination process.

The decision, however, has sparked resistance, particularly from Iowa and New Hampshire officials. Rita Hart, chair of the Iowa Democratic Party, characterized the calendar vote as “very messy” and criticized the national party for being disconnected from voters. In New Hampshire, state law mandates that its presidential primary occur at least seven days before any other similar contest, placing the state at odds with the DNC’s proposed timeline. A bipartisan group of New Hampshire congressional leaders, including Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan, condemned the move as detrimental to both the party and the state.

South Carolina’s elevation is rooted in President Joe Biden’s successful push to move the state to the front for the 2024 primaries, following the state’s crucial role in reviving his 2020 campaign. South Carolina, traditionally the first Southern primary contest, remains a pivotal test of candidates’ support among Black voters, who have become a critical constituency for Democrats.

Jaime Harrison, a former DNC chair and South Carolina Democratic Party leader, underscored the symbolic importance of the decision for Black voters, particularly in the wake of recent Supreme Court rulings that have affected voting rights. He framed the choice as a clear reaffirmation of the party’s commitment to Black constituents.

Debate over the schedule reflected differing views on which states best represent the party’s future. Advocates for South Carolina highlighted its experience in managing an early primary and its significance as a center for Black voter engagement. Meanwhile, Nevada’s supporters pointed to their growing Latino population and argued that the state embodies an emerging Democratic electorate.

Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb joined in supporting South Carolina’s role, acknowledging the vital contribution of Black voters to the party’s recent successes. Both South Carolina and Nevada now vie for prominence as the party reshapes its primary calendar to address changing political and demographic realities.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.