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4h ago

DNC Finalizes Six‑State 2028 Early Primary Calendar and Names South Carolina First

Shifting early nominating power to more diverse electorates, the plan also increases sanctions to deter states from holding unsanctioned early contests.

Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin on Aug. 13, 2026, in Austin, Texas.
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Overview

  • The Democratic National Committee ratified the new early‑state lineup by voice vote on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, setting South Carolina to hold the first Democratic primary on Jan. 22, 2028.
  • The six early contests and dates are South Carolina Jan. 22, Nevada Feb. 1, New Hampshire Feb. 8, New Mexico Feb. 15, Michigan Feb. 22, and Virginia Feb. 29.
  • The DNC said the change is meant to require nominees to win support from Black, Latino and labor constituencies by frontloading states with larger and more diverse Democratic electorates.
  • Iowa was excluded from the early window because of concerns about its 2020 caucus failures, and the DNC tightened penalties for defiant states to include stripping delegates and imposing fines of roughly $270,000.
  • State leaders in Iowa and New Hampshire have publicly objected and legal or scheduling conflicts remain unresolved, making enforcement and possible state defiance the key near‑term flashpoints for the party.