The Democratic National Committee (DNC) voted on Aug. 15 to approve a 2028 presidential primary calendar that places South Carolina as the first state to vote, marking a significant shift from the party’s longstanding tradition.
Under the new schedule, South Carolina will hold its primary on Jan. 22, 2028, followed by Nevada (Feb. 1), New Hampshire (Feb. 8), New Mexico (Feb. 15), Michigan (Feb. 22), and Virginia (Feb. 29). The decision removes Iowa and New Hampshire from their traditional first-in-the-nation positions, which had been in place since 1972 for Iowa and 1920 for New Hampshire.
DNC Chairman Ken Martin stated in a press release that the new calendar "truly represents our party and our values" and will help Democrats "retake the White House in 2028." He emphasized that candidates must demonstrate broad appeal across diverse communities to succeed in the general election.
Immediate Reactions and Rationale
The DNC’s decision follows a July 2024 meeting where the party’s rules and bylaws committee drafted the proposed calendar. The move aims to prioritize states with significant Black, Latino, and labor voting blocs, which the party argues better reflect its coalition.
Maria Cardona, a Democratic strategist and committee member, said the new lineup "uplifts Black voters, Latino voters, AAPI voters, Native American voters, labor, military and veteran families, suburban voters, urban voters, rural voters, and working-class voters."
Opposition from Affected States
The decision has drawn criticism from officials in New Hampshire, which has held the first-in-the-nation primary since 1920. Ray Buckley, chair of the New Hampshire Democratic Party, called the change "disappointing" and defended the state’s role in the process.
"New Hampshire is a small, purple state that gives candidates a level playing field," Buckley stated. He added that the party would continue advocating for Granite Staters to have a "meaningful voice" in selecting the nominee.
Historical Context and Past Changes
The Democratic Party has adjusted its primary calendar multiple times. In 2020, reporting delays during the Iowa caucuses led to criticism of the state’s process. President Joe Biden proposed making South Carolina the first primary for the 2024 cycle, a change later approved by the DNC. Biden’s campaign gained momentum after winning South Carolina decisively.
Howard Dean, former Vermont governor and former DNC chairman, supported the latest changes, arguing that the new lineup better reflects the diversity of the U.S. electorate compared to Iowa and New Hampshire.
Implications for 2028 Candidates
The revised calendar requires candidates to engage early with Black voters in the South, Latino communities in the West, and labor unions in key battleground states. Party strategists suggest this will produce nominees better equipped to appeal to a broad coalition in the general election.
Karen Finney, a Democratic strategist, noted that candidates will need to demonstrate their ability to connect with voters across different regions, including rural areas, border states, and union strongholds.
Next Steps
The DNC’s decision does not immediately alter state laws, as individual states must still pass legislation to adopt the new primary dates. Some states, including New Hampshire, have indicated they may defy the party’s order to maintain their traditional positions.
The finalized calendar sets the stage for a 2028 primary season that prioritizes demographic and geographic diversity, potentially reshaping the Democratic nomination process for future election cycles.