South Carolina is close to being designated as the first-in-the-nation Democratic presidential primary state for 2028, following a recommendation from the Democratic National Committee's (DNC) Rules and Bylaws Committee during a meeting on Friday. The full DNC will vote on the proposed calendar at its summer meeting next month in Austin, Texas.
Nevada was also a strong contender for the first primary slot, with discussions focusing on whether to prioritize the party's consistent voting bloc or the fastest-growing demographic group in the country. South Carolina representatives argued for their state's position, citing the Supreme Court's decision on the Voting Rights Act and its implications for Black representation in the South. They emphasized that South Carolina held the first Democratic presidential primary in 2024.
South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain stated, "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."
Advocates for Nevada argued that it should be the first state to weigh in on the presidential nominee due to its representation of a coalition that Democrats need to win nationally. Nevada Democratic Party Chair Daniele Monroe-Moreno highlighted the importance of nonpartisan voter registration and the need for the party to engage with various voter demographics.
The committee also established the dates for other early presidential nomination contests in 2028: - South Carolina: Jan. 22, 2028 - Nevada: Feb. 1, 2028 - New Mexico: Feb. 15, 2028 - Michigan: Feb. 22, 2028 - Virginia: Feb. 29, 2028 - Super Tuesday: March 7, 2028
Spain noted that the new calendar expands the party's outreach to Latino communities, particularly with the inclusion of New Mexico. DNC Chairman Ken Martin emphasized the importance of a democratic selection process and criticized the previous decision-making process that involved former President Biden's influence.
Martin indicated that the committee aims to create a rigorous nomination process that prepares candidates for the general campaign while aligning with the party's values and priorities.