Democrats’ early 2028 primary calendar set to prioritize Black and Latino voters, organized labor

Democrats have announced their early 2028 primary calendar, which will prioritize Black and Latino voters, as well as union members. The Democratic National Committee plans to approve the calendar at a meeting in Texas on Saturday. South Carolina will be the first state to vote on January 22, followed by Nevada on February 1. New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia will complete the early states throughout February.

The DNC chairman, Ken Martin, emphasizes that this is the most diverse calendar in the party's history. Party strategist Karen Finney highlights that candidates will need to appeal to a wide range of supporters, including Black voters in the South, rural voters in the West, border states, and union members. Former DNC chairman Howard Dean praises the changes, stating that the proposed states are more representative of the nation as a whole.

The shift from states like Iowa and New Hampshire to South Carolina first reflects a broader strategy to engage with a more diverse electorate. While some progressives and moderates may have different approaches, the calendar ensures that candidates will be tested in various regions and demographics. Nevada and New Mexico will require candidates to court Latino voters before the voting begins, given their growing influence in the country.