DNC Reevaluates Primary Calendar for 2028, South Carolina's Position at Stake

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has initiated a comprehensive review of its presidential primary calendar for the 2028 election cycle, placing South Carolina's position as the first primary state under scrutiny. This reassessment aims to better align the nominating process with the party's diverse electorate and strategic objectives.

In February 2023, the DNC approved a significant overhaul of its primary schedule, elevating South Carolina to the lead position for the 2024 primaries. This decision, championed by President Joe Biden, sought to amplify the influence of Black voters, who constitute a substantial portion of the Democratic base. The revised sequence positioned South Carolina's primary on February 3, followed by New Hampshire and Nevada on February 6, Georgia on February 13, and Michigan on February 27. The move was intended to reflect the nation's diversity more accurately and address longstanding concerns about the representativeness of early-voting states.

However, with new leadership at the helm, including DNC Chair Ken Martin, the committee is reevaluating the primary calendar to ensure it continues to serve the party's evolving needs. Martin emphasized the committee's commitment to moving away from traditional norms to better reflect the diversity and strategic importance of states. He stated, "We're not as tied to the way we've always done things."

Potential replacements for South Carolina's lead-off position include swing states such as North Carolina and Georgia. The DNC is particularly focused on maintaining strong representation from states with large Black populations, recognizing the critical role these voters play in the party's success. Martin underscored this priority, noting, "Clearly, the most reliable constituency of the Democratic Party are Black voters, and they will have a prominent role in the selection of our nominee."

Other states are also vying for prominence in the primary calendar. Nevada, for instance, has been actively lobbying for the top position, highlighting its diverse population and labor union presence as assets that align with emerging Democratic priorities. Conversely, New Hampshire insists on maintaining its traditional first-in-the-nation primary status, citing state law that mandates its primary precede any similar contest by a week. Despite the DNC's 2024 calendar changes, New Hampshire held an unsanctioned primary on January 23, 2024, which President Biden won as a write-in candidate.

Iowa Democrats are also seeking to reclaim their historically leading role in the nominating process. In response to the DNC's decision to prioritize South Carolina in 2024, Iowa party officials, including Chair Rita Hart, have criticized the move and are exploring efforts to restore the state's first-in-the-nation caucus position. Hart warned that removing Iowa from the early calendar disadvantaged Democrats in a state dominated by early Republican campaigning and spending, potentially weakening the party's local and national influence.

The decision to reorder the primary calendar carries significant implications for state economies, candidate strategies, and party dynamics heading into the 2028 election. States that hold early primaries often receive increased media attention and economic benefits from campaign spending. The DNC's move to reconsider the order reflects an ongoing effort to balance tradition with the need for a more representative early-primary process.

The DNC plans to hold a series of meetings beginning in September to discuss potential changes, with a final decision expected by spring 2026. As the committee navigates this complex process, it remains committed to ensuring that the primary calendar reflects the party's values and positions its eventual nominee for success in the general election.