US Democrats approve 2028 primary calendar overhaul moving South Carolina to first
New lineup prioritises states with significant Black and Latino populations, drawing criticism from traditional early-vote officials
The US Democratic National Committee has approved a significant restructuring of the 2028 presidential primary calendar, confirming South Carolina as the first official nominating contest on 22 January 2028. The decision, ratified during a meeting in Austin, Texas, on Saturday, marks a formalisation of the scheduling shift introduced during the 2024 election cycle.
Under the new schedule, Nevada will host the second contest on 1 February, followed by New Hampshire on 8 February. New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia will complete the group of early states within that month. The overhaul aims to align the nominating process more closely with the country's demographic diversity, increasing the influence of states with substantial Black and Latino populations.
DNC Chairman Ken Martin announced the changes on social media, stating the new lineup reflects the demographic shifts in the country. "These states reflect the diversity of America and will help ensure our nominee is best positioned to take back the White House in 2028," Martin wrote. Former DNC Chairman Howard Dean supported the changes, arguing the new states better mirror the overall US population compared to the traditionally white electorates of Iowa and New Hampshire.
The move has drawn criticism from Iowa and New Hampshire officials, who argue the shift marginalises rural and white electorates. In 2024, New Hampshire officials defied party leaders by holding a state-run primary ahead of South Carolina, citing state law requiring their primary to be the first in the nation. Iowa Democrats have warned that moving the state later in the calendar could alienate rural voters who often feel overlooked in national politics.
Uncertainty remains regarding how the new calendar will impact intra-party dynamics between progressive and moderate candidates. Michigan Democrats recently voted to select progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed as their Senate nominee, raising speculation about the state's potential influence under the new calendar. Conversely, South Carolina previously favoured Joe Biden over more progressive opponents in the 2020 primaries, suggesting a moderate streak in the state that may contrast with the political leanings of other early-voting states.
