South Carolina tops DNC picks for first in 2028 Democratic nominating schedule

For years, Iowa and New Hampshire have led the nominating calendar, but the Democrats want to give more influence to states that don't have overwhelmingly white electorates.

By Kevin Killough

Published: July 24, 2026 9:58am

Updated: July 24, 2026 2:22pm

The Democratic National Committee's rules committee moved South Carolina to the front of the line for possible contenders for the first Democratic presidential nominating contest in 2028.

Nevada, Michigan and New Hampshire were also selected as early-state contenders to go first overall.

South Carolina and Nevada have aggressively campaigned for the coveted spot as the party cements a break from decades of tradition to keep Iowa off the top of the schedule and push racially diverse states to the top, ABC News reported.

For years, Iowa and New Hampshire have led the nominating calendar, but the Democrats want to give more influence to states that don't have overwhelmingly white electorates.

The Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee's decision will need to be approved by the full organization, which is planning to meet in August.