DNC Makes South Carolina First in 2028 Democratic Primaries

The Democratic National Committee has officially selected South Carolina as the first state to vote in the 2028 Democratic presidential primaries, cementing a new nominating calendar designed to reflect the party’s diverse coalition and test candidates early in the campaign.

The decision was approved Saturday during the DNC’s summer meeting in Austin, Texas, following a July recommendation from the organization’s Rules and Bylaws Committee. Under the newly adopted 2028 Democratic primary calendar, South Carolina will vote first, followed by Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan and Virginia.

The order of the presidential primary calendar is significant because early contests can heavily influence the race for the Democratic nomination. Candidates often focus campaign resources, advertising and media appearances on the first states to vote, making early victories crucial for building momentum and attracting national attention.

According to the DNC, the new schedule will allow the party to “battle-test” presidential candidates while keeping the nominating process open and affordable. DNC Chair Ken Martin said the calendar better represents Democratic voters and will help the party prepare to win back the White House in 2028.

Several potential Democratic presidential candidates have already visited South Carolina in recent months, including Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and California Governor Gavin Newsom. Their visits highlight South Carolina’s growing importance as Democrats begin positioning themselves for the next presidential election.

The decision followed a dispute between South Carolina and Nevada over which state should hold the first contest, reflecting broader competition between the Democratic Party’s Black and Latino voting blocs.

South Carolina previously gained the top spot after former President Joe Biden successfully pushed for changes to the 2024 Democratic primary calendar. New Hampshire, traditionally the first primary state, defied the DNC and held its contest in January, though the party refused to seat delegates selected through that unsanctioned primary.

With Saturday’s vote, the DNC has now formally established the early-state lineup for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination contest.