South Carolina will lead off the 2028 Democratic presidential nominating calendar, a move approved by the DNC rules and bylaws committee and awaiting full DNC approval, marking a break from Iowa and New Hampshire’s traditional early role.

The calendar aims to broaden representation by centering Black and Latino voters, shifting power away from long-standing white-dominated early states.

Supporters say the change reflects the party’s coalition and seeks to empower racially diverse states, reducing reliance on Iowa and New Hampshire’s whiteness in the early phase.

DNC Chair Ken Martin described the calendar as a test of candidates and voter influence over money, prioritizing engagement with a more diverse electorate.

South Carolina’s lead-off status is framed as a test of candidates’ appeal to Black voters, while Nevada supporters emphasize its expanding Latino influence.

The shift comes amid intra-party tensions over Black and Latino voting blocs and concerns about voting rights protections and redistricting in the South after recent legal developments.

Nevada is positioned to follow South Carolina, with Nevada and its growing Latino-voter influence highlighted as a potential battleground in the early window.

Iowa and New Hampshire have expressed disappointment and resistance, signaling potential conflicts with timing laws and possible challenges to the new calendar.

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New Hampshire faces legal timing constraints, and leaders in Iowa and New Hampshire are weighing next steps in response to the calendar.

The new calendar is expected to shape the opening phase of a crowded Democratic primary, with momentum and fundraising influenced by early-state results.

Republicans are expected to maintain their traditional early-state calendar dominated by Iowa and New Hampshire, contrasting with the Democratic overhaul.