The Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee voted Friday to restructure the party’s 2028 presidential nominating calendar, with South Carolina designated as the lead-off state, followed by Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia. The decision requires approval from the full DNC at a scheduled meeting in August.
The overhaul aims to give greater influence to states with electorates that better reflect the Democratic Party’s coalition, particularly Black and Latino voters, according to party officials. DNC Chair Ken Martin stated that the new calendar would allow voters rather than money to serve as the ultimate deciders in the nominating process. Proponents of the change emphasized that South Carolina’s placement signals support for Black voters, who party leaders characterized as essential to Democratic electoral success. Nevada supporters argued their state represents the party’s future, with an increasingly influential Latino population.
The decision marks a dramatic departure from long-standing tradition, as Iowa has historically led both parties’ nominating contests for decades. Rita Hart, chair of the Iowa Democratic Party, characterized the process as “very messy” and suggested the national party is “out of touch with voters.” New Hampshire Democratic leaders similarly expressed opposition, with congressional representatives calling the decision “wrong for Democrats, wrong for New Hampshire, and wrong for the country.” New Hampshire law requires its primary to be scheduled at least seven days before other similar contests, creating a potential point of conflict with the new national calendar.
Neither Iowa nor New Hampshire Democratic officials committed Friday to adhering to the revised schedule. Iowa Democrats indicated they would reassess their position following the state’s midterm races, while New Hampshire’s party chair stated that legal requirements governing the state’s primary are beyond the committee’s control. DNC Chair Martin acknowledged uncertainty about potential conflicts, stating the party would “have to cross that bridge when we get there.”
Republicans are expected to maintain their traditional early-state lineup led by Iowa and New Hampshire. The new Democratic calendar comes as the party prepares for what officials anticipate will be a competitive 2028 presidential primary without an incumbent president or clear front-runner.
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