The competition to host the first Democratic presidential primary in 2028 is intensifying. South Carolina and Nevada are emerging as the two main contenders for the coveted early slot. Democratic insiders are meeting this week to begin sketching out the official calendar order.
The schedule will have a significant impact on the 2028 primary race. South Carolina secured the first spot in 2024, but that order is not permanent. Nevada is now pushing hard to claim the opening position.
State officials from both states are publicly arguing for their case. South Carolina points to its diverse electorate and proven track record in picking the eventual nominee. Nevada highlights its swing-state status and union-heavy workforce as key advantages.
The Democratic National Committee is tasked with finalizing the calendar. Leaders will weigh factors like electoral competitiveness, demographic representation, and organizational capacity. The decision will shape candidate strategies for months.
New Hampshire and Iowa, traditional early states, are also lobbying for their positions. Both states lost their top-tier spots in 2024 after the party overhauled the primary calendar. The 2028 schedule could bring further changes.
The process is expected to be contentious behind the scenes. Rival state delegations are already sniping at one another over their respective merits. The final calendar may not be settled until late 2027.
Ultimately, the chosen early states will gain outsized influence over the nomination fight. Candidates will focus time and money on those voters first. The decision will effectively narrow the field before most Americans tune in.
