Democrats Establish 2028 Primary Calendar, South Carolina Leads Early Contests

AUSTIN, Texas — Democrats have established their 2028 presidential primary calendar, designating South Carolina as the initial state in a series of six early contests. This decision outlines the party's approach to its next national leadership selection.

The approved schedule places an emphasis on states with diverse demographics and strong labor representation. Following South Carolina, the early nominating states will include Nevada and Georgia on a subsequent Tuesday. New Hampshire and Michigan will then hold their primaries on the second Tuesday after Georgia. Finally, the party will conduct a primary in Pennsylvania on the third Tuesday after Michigan.

This sequence of states represents a change from past primary calendars. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) Rules and Bylaws Committee voted to approve this calendar. Committee members have indicated that the new order reflects a commitment to giving a voice to a broader range of voters earlier in the nominating process.