DNC committee sets up South Carolina to vote first in Democrats’ 2028 presidential primaries
The move would elevate more racially diverse early states and keep Iowa off the top of the calendar, pending full DNC approval.
- On Friday, the Democratic National Committee's Rules and Bylaws Committee recommended South Carolina hold the first 2028 presidential primary, ending decades of tradition by removing Iowa from the top of the calendar.
- The overhaul reflects Democrats' effort to give greater influence to states that better mirror the party's diverse coalition, particularly Black and Latino voters, after years led by Iowa and New Hampshire, two states with overwhelmingly white electorates.
- Nevada Rep. Susie Lee argued her state better reflects the modern Democratic coalition by combining racial diversity, union presence, and battleground status, while Black leaders pushed to keep South Carolina first to honor the party's most loyal voters.
- Full DNC ratification is required in August, though officials face potential defiance as New Hampshire law mandates it hold the first primary and some Iowa Democrats have threatened to run unapproved contests.
- This calendar decision shapes the opening stage of a wide-open 2028 primary race, a rarity in almost two decades, potentially benefiting candidates like Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who leads among Black voters.
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189 Articles
DNC panel taps S.C. to lead calendar
WASHINGTON -- South Carolina was selected Friday to once again lead off the Democratic Party's 2028 presidential nominating schedule, cementing a dramatic break from decades of tradition by leaving Iowa out of the early-state lineup altogether and elevating more racially diverse states.
Democratic panel recommends South Carolina lead 2028 presidential nominating calendar • Washington State Standard
The White House on June 11, 2026. (Photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom) WASHINGTON — The Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee voted Friday that South Carolina should hold the party’s first primary in the 2028 presidential election cycle. The recommendation came after a competitive 26-19-4 vote in South Carolina’s favor over Nevada and New Hampshire. The decision is now pending final confirmation from a full vote of the …
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