DNC Selects South Carolina as First 2028 Primary State

The Democratic National Committee Rules and Bylaws Committee voted on July 24, 2026, to designate South Carolina as the first state in the 2028 presidential primary calendar. The committee recommended an expanded six-state early window including South Carolina, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia. South Carolina secured the top spot with 26 votes, defeating Nevada's 19 and New Hampshire's four. The proposed schedule sets South Carolina's primary for January 22, 2028, followed by Nevada on February 1 and New Hampshire on February 8.

This decision permanently removes Iowa from its traditional lead role, a shift intended to empower racially diverse electorates and prioritize Black and Latino voters. The selection followed an acrimonious dispute between South Carolina and Nevada leaders. South Carolina Chairwoman Christale Spain argued that elevating Nevada would signal that Black voters matter less than Latino voters, while Nevada proponents cited their state's diverse coalition as a better indicator of the national electorate.

The decision sparked immediate backlash from New Hampshire and Iowa. New Hampshire Democratic officials stated the state will defy the DNC and maintain its legal requirement to hold its primary first. Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart described the process as very messy.

The proposed calendar requires final ratification by the full Democratic National Committee during its August meeting in Austin, Texas. Implementation in states like New Mexico and Virginia will require further legislative action to change state laws.