Democrats Adjust 2028 Presidential Primary Schedule

Why it matters locally: While Maryland's primary schedule for 2028 is not directly impacted by these changes to the early nominating states, the shift could influence the national conversation and candidate focus leading into Maryland's eventual primary contest.

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The Democratic Party has outlined its calendar for the 2028 presidential primaries. This new sequence positions South Carolina as the first state to hold a primary contest, scheduled for January 22, 2028. Nevada will follow, with its primary set for February 1, 2028. This decision alters the traditional order of early primary states. Iowa, which historically held the first nominating event, will no longer occupy that initial position under this revised schedule.