Democrats' 2028 presidential calendar gives Black and Latino voters and union members an early say

The Democratic Party has finalized its 2028 presidential primary calendar, establishing a new sequence that prioritizes states with significant populations of Black and Latino voters and union members. Under the approved schedule, South Carolina will serve as the leadoff state with a primary on January 22, 2028, followed by Nevada on February 1. This shift officially removes Iowa from its traditional position as the first state in the primary process.

The new lineup is designed to require presidential candidates to engage early with key Democratic constituencies. By centering the opening contests in states where these demographic and labor groups are influential, the party aims to ensure that candidates demonstrate broad support among core voters from the beginning of the nomination process.