Democrats pick South Carolina to lead 2028 primary calendar

The Democratic National Committee's Rules and Bylaws Committee voted on July 24, 2026, to make South Carolina the first presidential primary state for the 2028 election cycle, marking a major shift from past schedules. South Carolina edged out Nevada, partly due to concerns about Nevada's ability to process election results quickly. Democrats also cited a desire to strengthen Black voting power in the South after the Supreme Court significantly restricted the Voting Rights Act earlier in 2026, triggering redistricting efforts. Michigan beat Iowa to become the Midwest's early state, ending Iowa's decades-long lead role. New Hampshire, traditionally second in the calendar, finished a distant third in the vote for first primary state.