US Presidential Elections: Democrats pick South Carolina as first state​​ to vote as it sets 2028 primary calendar

Democrats Set South Carolina as First State for 2028 US Presidential Elections

Theindiapostdaily.com – The Democratic National Committee has officially named South Carolina as the first state to vote in the party’s 2028 US Presidential Elections primaries. This decision, announced on Saturday following discussions in Texas, positions the state with its significant African American electorate at the forefront of the nominating process. The move comes as part of a broader effort to reshape how Democrats select their presidential candidate for the upcoming election cycle.

2028 Primary Calendar Takes Shape

According to Reuters, the DNC passed the party’s 2028 primary calendar on Saturday, establishing a clear order for early contests. Following South Carolina, the calendar places Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia in succession. This arrangement ensures that the first state to vote in a presidential nominating contest helps shape the field of candidates by drawing campaign spending and media attention.

The new calendar would launch the early series of contests in six states from late January through the end of February, after which other states could hold their primaries. South Carolina’s primary is scheduled for January 22, 2028, while Nevada follows on February 1, New Hampshire on February 8, New Mexico on February 15, Michigan on February 22, and Virginia on February 29, as reported by NBC News.

“The DNC has delivered a 2028 nominating calendar that truly represents our party and our values, and will help us retake the White House in 2028,” DNC Chair Ken Martin said in a statement.

Controversy and Opposition Emerge

Not everyone welcomed the new arrangement. Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart opposed the 2028 calendar on Saturday, noting that Iowa losing its historic status means no Midwestern state will go in the first four states. Hart warned that Republicans will launch their presidential primaries in Iowa in 2028 regardless of what Democrats do and will have a leg up getting ready for general elections.

“They will spend hundreds of millions of dollars to promote their candidates, and they will bring tons of national media attention,” Hart said, highlighting the potential national implications for the balance of Congress, including three congressional seats and the chance to flip Sen. Chuck Grassley’s Senate seat in 2028.

Longtime New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley also issued a statement calling the decision “disappointing.” New Hampshire has long had a state law dictating that it must hold its presidential primary before other states, though the DNC has said it is not bound by an individual state’s law.

“Time and again, New Hampshire has proven we are uniquely suited to battle-test candidates. Our small, purple state gives candidates a level playing field with the opportunity to meet voters face-to-face, answer tough questions, and earn support one conversation at a time,” Buckley said.

Looking Ahead to 2028

Some Democrats often mentioned as potential presidential contenders have visited South Carolina over the past several months, including Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, US Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, and California Governor Gavin Newsom. This attention underscores the importance of the first-in-the-nation designation for US Presidential Elections.

“Our 2028 nominee, whoever they are, will have to earn the support across the full breadth of America. Every region, every demographic, every generation,” Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin was quoted by NBC as saying in his opening remarks to committee members on Saturday. “No shortcuts. No coronation. You want to lead this party? Go earn it. Go and earn it.”

South Carolina and Nevada had tussled in July over which state should claim the top spot in a competition that became a proxy battle between the party’s Black and Latino bases. In 2022, former President Joe Biden persuaded Democrats to overhaul their 2024 nominating calendar to put South Carolina first, setting a precedent for the current decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is South Carolina’s 2028 primary?

South Carolina’s primary is scheduled for January 22, 2028, making it the first state to vote in the Democratic 2028 US Presidential Elections.

Why did South Carolina win the first spot?

South Carolina was chosen for its large African American primary electorate, which has historically played a crucial role in Democratic nominations.

What states follow South Carolina in the 2028 calendar?

Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia will follow South Carolina in the 2028 Democratic primary sequence.

How does this compare to the 2024 calendar?

In 2022, former President Joe Biden persuaded Democrats to overhaul their 2024 nominating calendar to put South Carolina first, similar to the current 2028 decision.