South Carolina to hold first 2028 Democratic presidential primary

Democrats have agreed on a new presidential nominating calendar for 2028, with South Carolina set to hold the first Democratic primary on January 22nd. This decision, made during the Democratic National Committee's summer meeting in Austin, aims to reflect a more diverse coalition of voters. The schedule begins in South Carolina, followed by Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia, all voting before Super Tuesday.

This shift comes amid a struggle between progressive and establishment factions within the party, and it is designed to give more influence to Black and Latino voters, who are crucial parts of the Democratic coalition. However, not everyone is pleased with the new calendar. Leaders from Iowa and New Hampshire, traditionally the first and second states to hold primary contests, criticized the new map, arguing that it diminishes the role of states that have historically played a significant role in shaping the presidential nomination process.

The decision to elevate states with large Black and Hispanic populations also reflects Democrats' efforts to stop the GOP from gaining more ground with these groups in general elections.