Democrats Recommend South Carolina Lead in 2028 Primary Calendar; Full DNC Vote in August
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The Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws panel has recommended a new 2028 presidential primary calendar that breaks from decades of tradition by moving Iowa and New Hampshire out of the lead-off spots. The recommended calendar elevates states with more racially diverse electorates, with South Carolina positioned to hold the first primary, closely contested by Nevada. The panel’s recommendation must be approved by the full DNC in August. The decision comes as Democrats prepare for an open primary without an incumbent president or a clear frontrunner. Both South Carolina and Nevada have campaigned aggressively for the first-in-the-nation slot, arguing their diversity better represents the party’s coalition. Republicans are expected to maintain their traditional early-state lineup beginning with Iowa and New Hampshire.
What’s verified
The DNC’s Rules and Bylaws panel has recommended a new 2028 Democratic presidential primary calendar.
The recommended calendar gives priority to more racially diverse states, moving away from Iowa and New Hampshire.
South Carolina is positioned to hold the first primary, with Nevada also a strong contender for the lead spot.
The full Democratic National Committee will vote on and finalize the calendar in August.
The 2028 primary is expected to be an open contest without an incumbent president or clear frontrunner.
Where accounts differ
The exact order of early primary states differs between sources. One source reports the panel voted to place South Carolina first on Jan. 22, 2028, followed by Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia, with only six states holding pre-Super Tuesday contests. Another source reports the committee is expected to recommend either South Carolina or Nevada first, and that four to five states from different regions may be selected, without specifying a full lineup or date.
The number of early states also differs: one source says six states before Super Tuesday; the other says four to five early states.
Not yet confirmed
The exact final order and date of the first primary remain uncertain until the full DNC vote in August.
Details on which states will participate in early contests beyond South Carolina, Nevada, and New Hampshire are not fully confirmed.
Neither source provides the specific date for the DNC’s August meeting.
Key figures
Christale Spain, David McDonald, Debbie Dingell, Rev. Al Sharpton, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Susie Lee, Pete Buttigieg, Jim Clyburn
Sources: NPR, abcnews.com
