Democrats voted to make South Carolina the first presidential primary state for the 2028 election, scheduling its primary for January 22 and placing Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan and Virginia next in the early‑voting sequence. The decision reflects an effort to increase Black and Latino voter influence after the Supreme Court limited Voting Rights Act protections and to address concerns about Nevada’s ability to count late‑arriving ballots. The revised calendar moves the Midwest to a later position and adds Virginia and New Mexico to early primaries for the first time. Midwest DNC members, including Representative Debbie Dingell, expressed frustration that the region’s voice would be reduced. DNC chair Ken Martin said Michigan would remain a major factor in selecting the nominee. The full DNC will consider the calendar at its August meeting in Austin. The proposal also shifted New Mexico earlier to avoid being eclipsed by larger states, a point made by Texas DNC member Dennis Speight. Several potential 2028 candidates, including Kamala Harris, Wes Moore, Cory Booker, Ruben Gallego, Rahm Emanuel, Gavin Newsom, Andy Beshear and Ro Khanna, have visited South Carolina. Nevada argued it was better positioned for the leadoff spot than South Carolina, though some members worried about its ballot‑counting timeline. New Hampshire and Iowa Democrats criticized the plan for overturning their traditional early‑state status. The schedule will shape the 2028 nomination contest by emphasizing Southern and Southwestern voters while diminishing the influence of Northeastern and Midwestern states, with the DNC set to adopt the final order in August.