Sharpton: Democrats should keep South Carolina as first 2028 primary
Civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton released a statement Wednesday supporting South Carolina's continued position as the first Democratic primary election for 2028. Sharpton highlighted Black voters' long history of supporting the Democratic Party and argued that South Carolina's early voting slot reflects the state's significance to the party's electoral coalition.
The remarks contribute to an ongoing discussion among Democratic leaders about primary scheduling and which states should lead the nomination process. Sharpton's intervention suggests important constituencies view South Carolina's primary position as strategically valuable ahead of the next presidential cycle.
- Civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton urged the Democratic Party to maintain South Carolina as the first state in the 2028 primary calendar.
- Sharpton emphasized Black voters' consistent support for Democrats, positioning South Carolina as a crucial early-voting state.
- The statement reflects ongoing Democratic debate over primary order and the political importance of South Carolina voters.