US Democrats have approved a new 2028 presidential primary calendar that places South Carolina first, with its Democratic primary scheduled for January 22, 2028. Nevada will follow on February 1, and New Hampshire on February 8.
Democratic National Committee members voted for the change during a Saturday meeting in Austin, Texas, as the party seeks a nominating process that gives greater influence to states with more racially diverse electorates.
The six early primary states
The schedule continues with New Mexico on February 15, Michigan on February 22 and Virginia on February 29. Together, the six states will have the first say in selecting the party’s 2028 presidential nominee.
Why Democrats changed the order
The calendar formalises a change that began in the 2024 cycle, when South Carolina was moved to the front of the Democratic lineup. Supporters say the new sequence better reflects the country and the party’s key constituencies.
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South Carolina has a significant Black population, while Nevada and New Mexico have large Latino or Hispanic populations. By contrast, Iowa and New Hampshire have overwhelmingly white electorates and have long held prominent early positions.
Iowa and New Hampshire remain points of dispute
The calendar shift has drawn resistance from both states. In 2024, New Hampshire held a state-run primary ahead of South Carolina’s first party-led vote, citing a state law requiring its primary to be first in the nation. Iowa Democrats warned that moving their caucus lower could alienate rural voters who already feel overlooked in national politics.
Early victories can help candidates build momentum and secure support in the race for the nomination. The effect of the new schedule on the party’s divide between progressive and more moderate candidates remains uncertain: Michigan’s earlier position could give progressives more influence, while South Carolina has previously backed more moderate candidates such as Joe Biden.
More context: Tight Wisconsin race highlights divided Democratic primary voters.
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