Democrats pick South Carolina first in 2028 primary calendar

The Democratic National Committee has finalised its 2028 primary calendar, keeping South Carolina first with a vote on January 22. Nevada follows on February 1, then New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan and Virginia through February 29. Iowa, which held the first contest for decades, has been dropped entirely.

The calendar frontloads states with diverse populations. Timesnownews.com reports that including Nevada and New Mexico early tests candidates with Latino voters, a group where President Trump made gains in 2024. DNC chair Ken Martin called it the most diverse calendar in party history, according to both sources. Livemint.com adds that potential contenders such as Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and California Governor Gavin Newsom have already visited South Carolina.

The new schedule has drawn criticism. Iowa Democratic Party chair Rita Hart said it leaves no Midwestern state in the early window, giving Republicans an advantage. New Hampshire chair Ray Buckley expressed disappointment, citing the state's law requiring its primary to come first. The DNC said it is not bound by state law.