Democrats have approved a new presidential primary calendar for 2028 that places South Carolina first, followed by Nevada, in a lineup designed to elevate Black and Latino voters early in the nominating process.
Key facts
- South Carolina will hold the first 2028 Democratic presidential primary.
- Nevada is scheduled to follow South Carolina.
- The ordering is intended to prioritize Black and Latino voters.
- New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan and Virginia also hold early contests.
Democrats have approved a new primary election calendar for the 2028 presidential race, selecting South Carolina as the first state to vote, according to NPR. The decision continues the party’s effort to reshape which states hold the earliest and most influential nominating contests.
Under the approved calendar, Nevada will follow South Carolina. NPR reports that the sequencing was chosen to prioritize Black and Latino voters, placing states with more diverse electorates near the front of the process.
Beyond the top two states, the calendar includes early contests in New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan and Virginia. Together, these states form the initial wave of voting that traditionally shapes momentum and media attention in a presidential primary.
The order in which states vote can significantly affect a candidate’s path to the nomination, as early wins often influence fundraising, endorsements and voter perceptions heading into later contests. By elevating South Carolina and Nevada, Democrats are signaling the demographic priorities they want reflected at the start of the race.
The move builds on the party’s broader push to give greater weight to states with racially and ethnically diverse populations early in the nominating calendar. NPR’s reporting indicates the calendar was formally approved, setting the framework for how the 2028 primary season is expected to unfold.
Why it matters
The order of presidential primaries can shape who wins a party's nomination, since early contests influence momentum, fundraising and media coverage. By putting South Carolina and Nevada first, Democrats are emphasizing the role of Black and Latino voters in choosing their 2028 nominee.
Frequently asked questions
Which state will vote first in the 2028 Democratic primary?
According to NPR, South Carolina will hold the first 2028 Democratic presidential primary.
Which states are in the early Democratic primary lineup?
The early contests include South Carolina first, then Nevada, along with New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan and Virginia.
Why did Democrats choose South Carolina to go first?
NPR reports the calendar was structured to prioritize Black and Latino voters, placing more diverse electorates near the front of the process.