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DNC Recommends South Carolina First 2028 Primary State

7/24/2026

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DNC Picks SC

On July 24, 2026, the DNC’s Rules-Bylaws Committee voted to recommend South Carolina as the first state in the 2028 primary calendar.
The recommendation was framed as protecting Black voters’ influence after Republican redistricting and Supreme Court ruling that weakened the Voting Rights Act.
Committee members gave South Carolina 26 votes, Nevada 19, New Hampshire four.
Christale Spain and Carol Fowler led South Carolina’s lobbying, Jaime Harrison and Jim Clyburn support.

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DNC Recommends SC

The Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws voted on July 24, 2026 to recommend South Carolina as the first state in 2028 presidential primary calendar.
The recommendation is framed to give former Vice President Kamala Harris an early advantage if she runs again.
Chair Ken Martin said he will not influence the calendar, leaving decision to members.
FEC reports the DNC had $16.3 million cash, $18 million debt, while the RNC held $128 million.

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DNC Names SC

On July 24, 2026, Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee voted to recommend South Carolina as the first state in the 2028 primary calendar.
The DNC warned that candidates ignoring the schedule could be barred from receiving delegates and participating in debates.
An August meeting in Austin, Texas will host the DNC vote on the calendar.
South Carolina supporters note its Black electorate makes up 25 % of the state’s population.

History

Historical Context

In 2008 the Democratic Party moved South Carolina’s primary to January 26, the first Southern contest with a large African-American electorate; Senator Barack Obama won by a 28.9% margin, securing 45 pledged delegates. That victory boosted his path to the nomination, and the DNC Rules-Bylaws Committee now urges the state as the 2028 opening contest to let its Black voters shape the race.

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DNC Picks SC

On July 24, 2026, the DNC’s Rules-Bylaws Committee voted to recommend South Carolina as the first state in the 2028 primary calendar.
The recommendation was framed as protecting Black voters’ influence after Republican redistricting and Supreme Court ruling that weakened the Voting Rights Act.
Committee members gave South Carolina 26 votes, Nevada 19, New Hampshire four.
Christale Spain and Carol Fowler led South Carolina’s lobbying, Jaime Harrison and Jim Clyburn support.

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