The Democratic National Committee has voted to keep South Carolina as the first state in the 2028 presidential primaries, a move that reinforces the party’s commitment to a diverse electorate. At a meeting in Washington DC on Friday, the DNC’s rules and bylaws committee approved a calendar that starts with South Carolina on 22 January 2028, followed by Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia in that order. The full DNC must confirm the proposal next month.
Why South Carolina Leads the 2028 Primary Calendar
South Carolina’s primary voters revitalized Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign, and as president he championed the state as the first contest for 2024 — replacing Iowa and New Hampshire, which are predominantly white. With Democrats relying increasingly on Black, Latino, and other minority voters, the party has prioritized states with larger populations of these groups. Congressman James Clyburn praised the decision, calling South Carolina a “relatively small state with four distinct cultures, a cheap media market, and demographics that reflect our voter base.”
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Comparison of 2024 vs. 2028 Democratic Primary Calendar
| Year | First State | Second State | Other Early States |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | South Carolina | New Hampshire | Nevada, Michigan, Georgia |
| 2028 (proposed) | South Carolina | Nevada | New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, Virginia |
The shift reflects a deliberate strategy to give minority voters earlier influence. Nevada, with its large Latino population, moves to second, while New Mexico and Michigan — both diverse swing states — enter the early lineup.
Key Takeaways from the DNC Decision
- South Carolina retains the first spot for 2028, scheduled for 22 January.
- Nevada jumps to second, followed by New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia.
- The calendar aims to better represent the party’s racially diverse voter base.
- Full DNC ratification is expected next month with little opposition.
- Iowa and New Hampshire lose their traditional early positions.
Implications for the 2028 Election Cycle
By locking in South Carolina first, Democrats signal that grassroots organizing in diverse communities will be crucial. Candidates will need to invest early in media markets like Columbia and Charleston. The change also pressures Republicans, who currently maintain Iowa and New Hampshire as early contests. President Biden’s influence on the calendar remains strong, even as he steps back from the 2024 race.
FAQ
Why is South Carolina first in the 2028 primary?
South Carolina’s diverse electorate — roughly 27% Black — better reflects the Democratic Party’s base than predominantly white states like Iowa and New Hampshire. The state revived Biden’s 2020 campaign, and party leaders want to give minority voters early influence.
Which states follow South Carolina in 2028?
After South Carolina on 22 January, the order is Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia. The full DNC must still approve this calendar.
Will Iowa and New Hampshire still hold early contests?
Not for Democrats. Iowa’s caucuses and New Hampshire’s primary have been pushed later in the calendar, though both states may still hold non-binding contests. Republicans have not yet changed their early lineup.
The DNC’s decision solidifies a trend toward prioritizing diversity in early primaries. With South Carolina leading the way, the 2028 election cycle will test whether this strategy boosts turnout and candidate alignment with minority voters. All eyes now turn to the full DNC vote next month.
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