US Presidential Election 2028 Race: Democrats Put South Carolina First in Major Primary Calendar Shift

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has approved a revised 2028 presidential election primary calendar, placing South Carolina at the front of the party's nomination process. The decision marks a major shift from the traditional Iowa and New Hampshire-first model and gives South Carolina the first opportunity to influence the race for the Democratic presidential nomination.

2028 US Presidential Race: South Carolina First, New Hampshire and Iowa Face Setback

The new calendar, approved during DNC discussions in Texas on Saturday, includes six early contests between January and February 2028. The schedule is designed to give candidates early tests across different regions and voter groups before the primary race expands nationwide.

2028 Democratic Primary Calendar: Check Early Voting Dates

South Carolina will hold the first Democratic primary on January 22, 2028, followed by Nevada on February 1. New Hampshire will vote on February 8, while New Mexico is scheduled for February 15.

Michigan will hold its primary on February 22, followed by Virginia on February 29. The early-state line-up covers the South, West, Northeast and Midwest. The revised calendar gives South Carolina particular importance because of its large Black Democratic electorate. The state has also played a significant role in recent Democratic presidential politics, particularly after Joe Biden's decisive victory there in the 2020 primary.

South Carolina to Kick Off 2028 Democratic Primary; Know Why

The DNC's decision is intended to give candidates a broader test of their support before the nomination contest moves into later states. South Carolina's electorate provides an important test of candidates' ability to attract Black voters, who form a key part of the Democratic coalition.

Potential 2028 contenders have already been paying attention to the state. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and California Governor Gavin Newsom are among Democrats who have visited South Carolina in recent months.

Iowa, New Hampshire Object to New Democratic Primary Calendar

The decision has faced opposition from Iowa and New Hampshire, which have traditionally played leading roles in the Democratic primary process.

Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart criticised the decision, arguing that excluding Iowa from the early contests could allow Republicans to gain an organisational and media advantage in the state during the 2028 presidential campaign.

New Hampshire Democrats have also objected. The state has a law requiring its presidential primary to be held before similar contests elsewhere. The dispute could resurface in 2028 if New Hampshire holds its primary before the DNC-approved date.

The revised schedule gives South Carolina the first major opportunity to shape the Democratic nomination race, while Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan and Virginia will provide additional early tests.

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