The Democratic National Committee's (DNC) Rules and Bylaws panel has recommended that South Carolina will be the first primary state in the party's 2028 presidential nominating calendar. This decision, made during a meeting in Washington, D.C., prioritizes South Carolina over Nevada, emphasizing the importance of Black voters in the Democratic base. The panel's vote follows significant lobbying efforts from multiple states, including New Hampshire and Iowa, which have traditionally held early primaries.
South Carolina's primary is scheduled for January 22, 2028, followed by Nevada on February 1, New Hampshire on February 8, New Mexico on February 15, Michigan on February 22, and Virginia on February 29. The entire DNC membership will vote on these proposals at the party's summer meeting in Austin, Texas.
Minyon Moore, co-chair of the panel, stated that South Carolina is set to be the first contest. Supporters of South Carolina argue that recent changes to voting rights laws necessitate a reaffirmation of commitment to Black voters. In contrast, advocates for Nevada highlight its diverse electorate as beneficial for Democratic candidates.
The DNC's decision to place South Carolina ahead of New Hampshire, which has historically held the first primary, has been contentious. New Hampshire Democrats argue that their state's tradition of grassroots politics and high voter participation makes it an ideal location for the first primary. Despite this, the DNC plans to impose stricter penalties on states that do not comply with the new calendar.
DNC Chair Ken Martin expressed confidence that the new calendar will strengthen the party and prepare its nominee for the general election. However, New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley criticized the decision, asserting that it disregards the state's proven track record in candidate evaluation. Meanwhile, Nevada Democratic Party Chair Daniele Monroe-Moreno emphasized the state's role in the nomination process as a critical early test for candidates. The Republican National Committee has announced that its nominating schedule will remain unchanged, with Iowa and New Hampshire continuing as lead-off contests.