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DNC Panel Recommends South Carolina as First Primary in 2028

Published July 27, 2026 at 12:03 PM UTC

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A Democratic National Committee panel has recommended that South Carolina hold the first presidential primary in 2028, cementing a shift away from the traditional early states of Iowa and New Hampshire. The Rules and Bylaws Committee voted to approve the calendar, which also places Nevada and New Hampshire in the early window but later than South Carolina. The move is part of an effort to make the primary process more reflective of the party's diverse electorate. South Carolina, where Black voters make up a significant share of the Democratic primary electorate, was also first in 2024 after the DNC overhauled the calendar. The full DNC is expected to vote on the recommendation later this year. If approved, the change could affect candidate strategies and state campaign spending. New Hampshire and Iowa have pushed back, arguing the new calendar sidelines their traditional roles and could reduce voter influence.