US Democrats finalise major shakeup to 2028 presidential primary calendar - Al Jazeera
The Democratic National Committee has finalized a new 2028 presidential primary calendar, placing South Carolina as the first nominating contest. This move aims to increase the influence of racially diverse states in the selection process.
Why it matters
Changes to the primary calendar directly impact the strategy of presidential candidates and the internal power dynamics of the Democratic Party.
South Carolina will again take centre stage as the first nominating contest for Democrats, pushing Iowa from its top spot.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Party Chair Ken Martin participates in the Democratic National Committee's meeting on August 13 in Austin, Texas [Joel Angel Juarez/AP] By Evan Semones and AP Published On 15 Aug 2026 15 Aug 2026 Democrats in the United States have approved a shakeup to their 2028 presidential primary calendar as the party looks to take back the White House.
During a meeting on Saturday in Austin, Texas, Democratic National Committee (DNC) members voted to overhaul which states have the first say in picking the party’s presidential nominee.
South Carolina will once again take centre stage as the party’s first official nominating contest, with its Democratic primary scheduled for January 22, 2028.
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