The Democratic National Committee (DNC) Rules and Bylaws Committee voted on Friday to recommend South Carolina as the first state in the 2028 presidential primary calendar. The decision, which requires final approval from the full DNC in August, marks a continued shift away from Iowa and New Hampshire, traditionally the first states to vote. South Carolina received 26 votes, while Nevada and New Hampshire trailed with 19 and four votes, respectively.
The move reflects Democrats' effort to elevate states with more racially diverse electorates. South Carolina, which has a significant Black voter base, played a pivotal role in President Joe Biden's 2020 campaign after his early losses in Iowa and New Hampshire. The committee also voted to expand the early window from five to six states, though two slots remain unfilled.
Key Facts and Context
The DNC's decision follows a 10-month process involving presentations from 12 states. South Carolina's advocates argued that the state's Black voters, who make up a core Democratic constituency, should lead the primary process. Nevada, the other top contender, emphasized its representation of Latino and working-class voters, groups whose support for Democrats has been eroding.
Opposing Views and Implications
New Hampshire, which held its 2024 primary outside the DNC-approved order due to state law, has historically been a key early voting state. Some Democrats, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, support the shift away from tradition, arguing that the calendar should reflect the party's diverse coalition. However, critics argue that the change could alienate voters in states like Iowa and New Hampshire, which have long been part of the nominating process.
The Republican National Committee is expected to stick with its traditional early-state lineup, led by Iowa and New Hampshire. The Democratic calendar overhaul began after the 2020 Iowa caucuses, which were marred by reporting failures. The DNC has sought to ensure a smoother and more representative primary process moving forward.