Democratic Party Sets 2028 Primary Calendar, South Carolina First
The Democratic Party has decided that six states will begin the 2028 primary elections, with South Carolina being the first state to host the opening primary.

New York, NY, July 24, 2026 —
The Democratic Party has announced its calendar for the commencement of the 2028 presidential primary elections, designating six states to participate in the initial voting stages. South Carolina has been selected to hold the first primary contest.
The decision outlines a specific order for these early states, aiming to shape the initial landscape of the presidential nominating process for the upcoming election cycle. The exact list of the six states involved in this early window, beyond South Carolina, was not provided in the summary. Further details regarding the sequencing of the remaining five states and the specific dates for these primaries have not yet been released.
This early state selection is a significant step in the party’s strategic planning for the 2028 election. Historically, the outcomes of early primary contests can heavily influence a candidate’s momentum, fundraising capabilities, and overall viability as the race progresses. The party’s leadership has made these determinations ahead of the formal campaign season to provide a clear framework for candidates and voters alike.
The specific criteria and discussions that led to the selection of these six states, and particularly the placement of South Carolina as the first, were not detailed. However, the party’s choices in setting the primary calendar are often influenced by considerations such as demographic diversity, past electoral performance, and the potential for robust voter engagement.
The full implications of this calendar decision, including the impact on potential candidates and the broader political discourse, are expected to unfold as more information becomes available. The party has indicated that further announcements regarding the complete primary schedule will be made in due course.
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