The Democratic Party has decided to maintain South Carolina’s position as the first state to vote in its 2028 presidential primary, continuing a scheduling change first adopted ahead of the 2024 cycle that displaced longtime front-runner New Hampshire from the top spot.
The decision affirms the party’s commitment to opening its nominating contest in a state with a large Black electorate, a demographic Democrats view as central to their coalition. South Carolina’s early slot gives the Palmetto State unusual influence over which candidates gain early momentum heading into later contests.
New Hampshire, which held the first-in-the-nation primary for decades under state law, has resisted the change and is expected to continue sparring with party officials over calendar positioning ahead of 2028.
The arrangement sets up an early test of party unity as Democrats begin the lengthy process of organizing their 2028 nominating race.