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DNC panel recommends South Carolina for 2028 presidential primary

Published July 25, 2026 at 12:03 PM UTC

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A key Democratic National Committee panel has recommended that South Carolina hold the first presidential primary in 2028, a move that would cement the state's role as the early nominating contest for Democrats. The recommendation, announced this week, aims to build on the state's diverse electorate, which party leaders say better reflects the broader Democratic coalition than the predominantly white states of Iowa and New Hampshire. Under the proposed calendar, South Carolina's primary would be followed by contests in New Hampshire and Nevada on the same day, then Georgia and Michigan a week later. The full DNC is expected to vote on the plan later this year. Supporters argue that the change, first implemented for the 2024 cycle, helped President Joe Biden's campaign and energized Black voters, a key Democratic constituency. Critics, however, warn that the shift could alienate traditional early states and create logistical challenges for candidates. The recommendation also includes a process for states to apply for early slots, with diversity and competitiveness as criteria. For voters, the change means the 2028 primary season will start in the South, giving candidates a different set of issues and demographics to navigate.