Democrats approve new primary election calendar, putting South Carolina first - NPR

What the report says

NPR reports that Democrats have approved a revised presidential nominating calendar for 2028, placing South Carolina at the front of the primary schedule. Under the plan described by NPR, Nevada would follow, with New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan and Virginia also included among the early contests.

The change is significant because early presidential primaries can strongly influence which candidates gain attention, money and momentum before the wider electorate votes. NPR’s snippet says the ordering reflects an effort to elevate Black and Latino voters earlier in the Democratic selection process, with South Carolina and Nevada positioned to play especially prominent roles.

The decision also continues a broader debate inside the party over which states should help set the tone for a presidential race. For years, early-state status has been prized because candidates spend heavily and tailor organizing strategies around those electorates. Moving South Carolina first, while still giving New Hampshire an early place, signals a different balance between tradition and demographic representation.

The available NPR text does not include details on the vote margin, the full rules package, or how state parties will implement the calendar. It also does not specify whether any state could face penalties if it schedules a contest outside the approved order. Those details may determine how smoothly the 2028 process unfolds.