Democrats’ rules committee has approved a proposed 2028 presidential primary calendar that again puts South Carolina first, extending the party’s move away from Iowa’s long-held opening role. The decision gives early influence to a more racially diverse set of states and signals the party’s intention to foreground Black voters, who are central to its electoral coalition.

Nevada would follow South Carolina, with New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan and Virginia completing the early-state line-up before Super Tuesday. The proposal still requires approval by the full Democratic National Committee in August, while New Hampshire’s law requiring it to hold the nation’s first primary could create a conflict; Iowa is excluded from the early calendar.