Democrats put South Carolina first in 2028 presidential primary calendar

WASHINGTON — Democrats approved a new 2028 presidential primary calendar Saturday that puts South Carolina first in the nominating process, giving Black, Latino and union voters greater influence in the early stages of the race.South Carolina will hold the first contest on Jan. 22, 2028, followed by Nevada on Feb. 1, according to PBS News. New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan and Virginia will hold their contests throughout February, while Iowa will no longer occupy its traditional position at the start of the Democratic primary calendar.Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin said the calendar was designed to ensure presidential candidates are tested among a broader range of voters before advancing to the general election.“You have to be battle-tested in a way that you already have campaigned in front of and for the support of various communities throughout the country,” Martin said.South Carolina’s position at the front of the calendar gives its large Black Democratic electorate an early role in determining the direction of the race. Nevada and New Mexico will provide early tests among Latino voters.Organized labor will also play a prominent role, with Michigan home to the country’s auto industry, Nevada having a significant service-sector union presence and Virginia having a large federal workforce.Former DNC Chairman Howard Dean welcomed the changes, saying the selected states “look more like the country” than Iowa and New Hampshire.The DNC also sought to place competitive general-election states early in the process. Five of the six states selected for the opening contests are considered competitive in presidential elections and together account for 43 Electoral College votes.South Carolina Democrat Boyd Brown said the party’s objective was focused on winning elections.“This is not a social or a debate club. It is a political party,” Brown said.