Democratic Party Debates Primary Calendar for 2028
A debate is underway within the Democratic Party over which state should hold the first primary in the 2028 presidential election, with South Carolina and Nevada being considered. The decision could impact the party's nomination process and the candidates' chances of winning.
The Democratic National Committee's Rules & Bylaws Committee is set to meet on Thursday to discuss the primary calendar. South Carolina, with its large Black population, and Nevada, with its large Latino population, are the two states most likely to lead off the Democratic contest in 2028. The Rev. Al Sharpton and Christale Spain, the chair of South Carolina's Democratic Party, have argued that South Carolina should remain first on the primary calendar, citing the state's importance to the party's success. On the other hand, more than two dozen Latino leaders have written to the DNC's rules panel urging it to pick Nevada to go first, citing the state's diverse population and the growing importance of Latino voters.
The debate has sparked a feud between Black and Latino leaders within the party, with some arguing that choosing Nevada over South Carolina would send a message that Black voters matter less than Latino voters. Others, such as Daniele Monroe-Moreno, the chair of Nevada's Democratic Party, have argued that the decision should not be about pitting one state against another, but rather about finding a solution that works for all voters. The order in which states vote can have a significant impact on the nomination process, with some candidates potentially gaining an advantage if their preferred state goes first.
Go Deeper
What states are being considered to hold the first primary in the 2028 presidential election?
South Carolina and Nevada are the two states most likely to lead off the Democratic contest in 2028. South Carolina has a large Black population, while Nevada has a large Latino population.
Why is the order of the primary states important?
The order in which states vote can boost certain candidates over others, giving them an early advantage in the nomination process. For example, if South Carolina goes first, it could give former Vice President Harris an advantage in a 2028 primary.
What is the argument in favor of South Carolina going first?
The argument in favor of South Carolina going first is that the state has a large Black population and has been an important part of the party's success in the past. The Rev. Al Sharpton and Christale Spain have argued that choosing Nevada over South Carolina would send a message that Black voters matter less than Latino voters.
What is the argument in favor of Nevada going first?
The argument in favor of Nevada going first is that the state has a diverse population, including a large Latino population, and that it would be an opportunity for the party to engage with voters who reflect the diversity of the nation. More than two dozen Latino leaders have written to the DNC's rules panel urging it to pick Nevada to go first.
How might the decision impact the candidates?
The decision could give certain candidates an early advantage in the nomination process. For example, if South Carolina goes first, it could give former Vice President Harris an advantage, while if Nevada goes first, it could potentially help progressive candidates such as New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
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