Democrats approve new primary election calendar, putting South Carolina first

South Carolina will host the first Democratic presidential primary in 2028. A panel approved this new calendar, aiming to highlight Black voters, a key group for the party.

New Primary Calendar

The Democratic National Committee's Rules and Bylaws panel chose South Carolina over Nevada, New Hampshire, and Iowa. These states had all wanted the first spot. Only six states will hold primaries before Super Tuesday on March 7, 2028.

The proposed order starts with South Carolina on January 22, 2028. Nevada and New Hampshire, usually early voting states, will follow. New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia will also hold early contests. The full DNC will vote on this calendar in August.

South Carolina and the other five states have been pushing for these early nominating contests since the beginning of the year.

During the committee meeting, leaders from various states argued for their state's early slot. David McDonald, a committee member, said Nevada should go first. He noted its diversity, including Latino, Black, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Native American, and working-class voters.

Nevada was considered because the party also wants to prioritize Latino voters. This group had a big impact in the 2024 election. For the 2028 open primary, advocates believe these two states offer candidates the best chance to connect with important voting groups. However, some members worried about Nevada's ability to quickly process election results.

Why South Carolina Matters

South Carolina also led the Democratic presidential primary in 2024. That was the first time the process did not start with the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire's primary. Panel members recalled South Carolina's role in Joe Biden's 2020 nomination. Biden won his first early state victory there, then won other southern states on Super Tuesday.

Nearly one in four registered voters in South Carolina are Black. According to AP Vote Cast, 83% of Black voters nationwide supported Kamala Harris in the last presidential election.

Christale Spain, chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party, said, "The South is not the past, we are the future." She added that Democrats need to win in the South to change the country. Spain also noted South Carolina's flexible election dates and two weeks of early voting.

Supporters of South Carolina argued that the party should show Black voters are a priority. This comes after the Supreme Court's Voting Rights Act decision led to new Congressional boundaries in some states.

Debbie Dingell, a congresswoman from Michigan, said the six chosen states together show who the Democratic party is. She urged members not to focus too much on who got the very first slot. Michigan will also vote early under the new plan.