The Democratic National Committee has voted to make South Carolina the first state in the 2028 presidential primary, replacing long-standing early states.
Key facts
- •The Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee finalized the decision on Friday.
- •South Carolina was selected over Nevada due to concerns about Nevada's election result processing speed.
- •Michigan will serve as the Midwest's early state, replacing Iowa in that role.
- •New Hampshire, a traditional early state, placed third in the voting for the first primary position.
- •The decision aims to strengthen Black voting power following Supreme Court restrictions on the Voting Rights Act.
The Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee voted on Friday to designate South Carolina as the first state in the 2028 presidential primary calendar. This decision marks a departure from previous election cycles, prioritizing a state with a significant Black voting bloc.
Selection Process and Rationale
The committee chose South Carolina over Nevada, which had also been in contention for the first-place position. Officials cited concerns regarding Nevada's ability to process election results in a timely manner. Additionally, party members stated the move aims to bolster Black voting power in the South following recent Supreme Court restrictions on the Voting Rights Act that led to redistricting.
Changes to the Primary Calendar
The new calendar features other notable shifts, including Michigan being selected as the Midwest’s early state, surpassing Iowa. This change removes Iowa from its position as an early state, a role it held for decades through 2020. New Hampshire, which historically held the second spot in the nominating calendar, finished third in the voting process to be the first primary state.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Politico.
