The Democratic Party is expected to finalize its 2028 presidential nominating calendar on Friday, marking a significant departure from tradition by prioritizing more racially diverse states over Iowa and New Hampshire.
South Carolina and Nevada are competing for the coveted first position in the early-state lineup. The decision rests with the Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee and requires final approval from the full committee in August.
This proposed overhaul aims to give greater influence to states that better reflect the Democratic Party's diverse coalition, particularly Black and Latino voters. Historically, the early calendar has been led by Iowa and New Hampshire, states with predominantly white electorates.
"I think that it is good that we don't take the order for granted, and just copy and paste it every cycle," said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a progressive considered a potential 2028 candidate.
The selection of early states is crucial, especially in a potentially crowded primary without an incumbent or a clear frontrunner. The states that vote first can significantly influence which candidates gain momentum, attract donors, and establish viability.
Republicans, meanwhile, are expected to retain their traditional early-state order, beginning with Iowa and New Hampshire.
President Joe Biden previously championed moving South Carolina to the front of the 2024 calendar, a move that followed the state's pivotal role in reviving his 2020 campaign. South Carolina has historically served as the first Southern contest and a key test for candidates' support among Black voters.
However, the current process for the 2028 calendar has intensified, with Democrats preparing for an open primary.
In May, Democratic leaders from several Southern states advocated for South Carolina to resume its leading role, arguing in a letter to the DNC that the state represents an initial playing field for coalition-building and serves as a "moral and political compass."
Nevada has also mounted a strong campaign, asserting that its demographic makeup—including a large Hispanic population, a sizable Black electorate, and a strong union presence—better mirrors the modern Democratic coalition and offers an early test with key constituencies. "If you want to have a robust indicator of what an American electorate will be like, that will put us in the strongest position to put forth a primary candidate, I think it's pretty clear that Nevada should be first," said Nevada Rep. Susie Lee.
Some Black leaders have voiced concerns that moving South Carolina aside after just one cycle in the front position could diminish the influence of Black voters within the party. Approximately one-quarter of South Carolina's population is Black, according to U.S. Census data.
"If South Carolina gets quietly bumped after one cycle of convenient praise, that sends a message louder than any speech at a Democratic dinner: the gratitude was performance, not policy," stated Rev. Al Sharpton.
The DNC plans to select four early states, one from each region, and is also considering adding a fifth. Michigan is a leading contender for the Midwest regional slot, though it did not seek the first overall position. Illinois and Iowa also submitted bids for the Midwest.
This calendar decision is a significant early step in the lead-up to the 2028 nomination. The party has not experienced a truly open presidential primary in nearly two decades.
Prospective candidates have already begun engaging in South Carolina through various events and partnerships with the state Democratic Party. Michigan is also emerging as a key state, with figures like former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg building political relationships there, which could benefit candidates focusing on battleground states.