Democrats’ rules committee has selected South Carolina to hold the party’s first presidential primary in 2028, subject to approval by the full Democratic National Committee. The decision gives the state an influential role in a likely open nomination contest, where early results can shape candidates’ momentum, fundraising and media attention.

The choice continues the calendar change made for 2024, replacing Iowa’s long-held leading position with a state whose Democratic electorate includes many Black voters. South Carolina beat Nevada after a dispute over which state better represented the party’s coalition; Nevada’s supporters cited its large Latino and working-class population, while South Carolina’s backers stressed Black voters’ importance to the party. New Hampshire and possibly Iowa may still seek to hold earlier contests under state rules, despite party penalties for doing so.