The Democratic Party approves an election-year primary and caucus calendar for the 2028 presidential nomination that changes the early lineup of states and increases the emphasis on key voter groups. According to reports, the schedule is designed to start the nomination contest sooner in places where Black and Latino voters and union members have significant influence.
The calendar also alters longstanding first-in-the-nation traditions. PBS NewsHour reports that Iowa, which has typically led the process, is moved from the top spot, and South Carolina becomes the leadoff state. South Carolina is scheduled to hold its primary on Jan. 22, 2028, with Nevada following on Feb. 1. Other details are not provided in the excerpts, but both outlets describe the changes as part of the party’s broader effort to shape early momentum in the contest.
While the Washington Times frames the decision around the need to earn early support from Black and Latino voters and union members, PBS NewsHour focuses on the mechanics of the calendar shift and the specific dates for the opening contests. Both accounts agree on the core outcome: the early states and voting timeline for the 2028 nomination are being adjusted.
