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Democrats to finalize their 2028 presidential nominating calendar
Calendar shift
The DNC rules committee has approved a proposal that would move South Carolina to the front of the 2028 primary schedule, replacing the traditional Iowa-first opening. Nevada, New Hampshire, Michigan, Virginia, and New Mexico are also slated for early voting dates.
Why it matters
The change is politically significant because early primary states often determine which candidates look viable. A calendar with more racially diverse states at the front may reward contenders who can build broader coalition support instead of relying on the old retail-politics model.
What comes next
The proposal still needs full-party approval in August, so the order is not yet final. If adopted, candidates are likely to begin tailoring travel, staffing, and messaging around the new sequence well before the race formally kicks off.
