(Luis Cornelio, Headline USA) The Democratic National Committee announced Friday that it will once again hold its first presidential primary contest in South Carolina, doubling down on a controversial primary calendar that prioritizes black voters ahead of the 2028 election.
The DNC’s Rules and Bylaws Committee granted the Palmetto State a waiver to hold its primary on Jan. 22, 2028, according to a party press release. The waiver still needs to be approved by the full DNC, Axios reported.
The decision continues the primary calendar first adopted for the 2024 election cycle after then-President Joe Biden successfully pushed to elevate South Carolina.
Black voters in the Palmetto State threw a lifeline to Biden’s struggling 2020 presidential campaign after he failed to gain momentum in the early contests.
The committee bypassed Nevada, which is now scheduled to hold its primary on Feb. 1, 2028.
Critics argue the move prioritizes South Carolina’s black electorate. However, Hispanic leaders wanted the DNC to kick off the primary season in the Silver State to elevate Hispanic voters, Axios reported.
Republican commentators suggested online that the calendar could also shape the next Democratic presidential nomination, with former Vice President Kamala Harris emerging as a potential top contender should she run for president a third time.
If the waivers are approved, the remaining early contests would be held in New Hampshire on Feb. 8, 2028; New Mexico on Feb. 15, 2028; Michigan on Feb. 22, 2028; and Virginia on Feb. 29, 2028.
Super Tuesday is scheduled for March 7, 2028.
According to the party, the states are home to 4.6 million black voters, 4.2 million Hispanic voters, 1.4 million Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander voters, and roughly 370,000 Native American voters.
The DNC press release also stated that the proposed early states prioritize “diverse groups of voters.” Similarly, DNC Chair Ken Martin hailed the waivers as “fair” and “transparent.”
“I commend the RBC for their diligent work and commitment to a fair and transparent selection process,” Martin said. “As a result of their hard work, today, Democrats took a critical step toward retaking the White House in 2028 by ensuring we have the strongest possible nominee.”
