Democratic panel picks South Carolina as first primary state
Developed over time first seen 3 months ago
A Democratic National Committee panel recommended that South Carolina again hold the party’s first presidential nominating contest in 2028, preserving the role it gained for the 2024 cycle. The proposal, pending approval by the full DNC, would give Black Democratic voters significant influence at the beginning of an expected open nomination race.
The proposed early-state order is South Carolina, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan and Virginia. South Carolina was chosen over Nevada after debate over whether Black or Latino voters should have the earliest say, while Iowa was again excluded following problems with its 2020 caucuses.
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In short
- South Carolina is set to remain Democrats’ first primary state.
- The full DNC must still approve the proposed calendar.
- Iowa remains excluded from the early nominating contests.
How this story developed
- 3 months ago A Democratic National Committee panel has recommended that South Carolina again hold the party’s first 2028 presidential nominating contest, extending the state’s leading role from 2024.
- 3 months ago A Democratic National Committee panel selected South Carolina to hold the party’s first presidential primary in 2028, subject to approval by the full committee.
- 3 months ago A Democratic National Committee panel recommended that South Carolina again hold the party’s first presidential nominating contest in 2028, preserving the role it gained for the 2024 cycle.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters argue that beginning in South Carolina gives Black Democratic voters, a core constituency of the party, an early and meaningful voice in choosing its nominee. They say its electorate and competitive primary provide a more representative test of candidates’ ability to build the broad coalition needed for a national election, while avoiding the organisational problems that damaged confidence in Iowa’s 2020 caucuses.
The case against
Critics argue that Nevada, with its substantial Latino population and diverse working-class electorate, could better reflect demographic groups whose influence is growing within the party. They may also contend that repeatedly privileging one state risks creating a fixed hierarchy among constituencies, and that a more rotating or balanced early calendar would give candidates a fuller test across regions and communities.
Explained simply
US parties choose presidential candidates through state-by-state contests before the general election. These primaries and caucuses award delegates, who formally select the party’s nominee at its national convention.
The Democratic National Committee sets the party’s calendar, including which states vote first. Early contests can give candidates attention, fundraising and momentum, although later, larger states still play a major part in deciding the nomination.
South Carolina has a large share of Black Democratic voters, a group that is central to the party’s national coalition. Nevada has a significant Latino electorate, while New Hampshire and Iowa have historically held early contests; Iowa’s role changed after problems counting its 2020 caucus results.
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