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DNC sets 2028 primary calendar
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
DNC voted Saturday to set South Carolina first in 2028 primary, Jan. 22. The calendar prioritizes diverse states, reshaping early nominating contests.
Background
The Democratic National Committee finalized its 2028 presidential primary calendar at a meeting in Austin, Texas, on Saturday. The new order places South Carolina first, followed by Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia, with Iowa left out of the early window. This continues a shift toward states with more diverse electorates, reflecting a party strategy to better represent Black, Latino, and union voters in the nominating process.
How it unfolded
- Jan 2026The Republican National Committee's Presidential Nominating Process Committee voted to advance a calendar matching 2024, keeping Iowa and New Hampshire at the front.
- late Jul 2026The DNC's Rules and Bylaws Committee recommended South Carolina as the first state, with New Hampshire, Michigan, and Nevada also in the early period.
- Aug 15, 2026The DNC voted to finalize the 2028 calendar, with South Carolina on Jan. 22, Nevada on Feb. 1, New Hampshire on Feb. 8, New Mexico on Feb. 15, Michigan on Feb. 22, and Virginia on Feb. 29.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- DNC Chair Ken Martin said the calendar 'reflects the diversity of America' and will help position the nominee to win the White House in 2028.
- Support
- Jaime Harrison, former DNC chair, praised Iowa and New Hampshire's historical role, while acknowledging the new chapter.
- Caution
- New Hampshire's state law requires it to hold its primary a week before any similar contest, so it may still vote first in 2028 despite the DNC calendar.