Democrats move to lock in 2028 primary calendar without Iowa first
What's next: The Rules and Bylaws Committee's decision still needs full DNC approval in August, with South Carolina or Nevada expected to lead.
Democrats are moving to set their 2028 presidential nominating calendar, likely preserving a major break from tradition by keeping Iowa from opening the party's primary season. The Democratic National Committee's Rules and Bylaws Committee is debating and could vote Friday on which states will fill the early window and in what order, with South Carolina and Nevada emerging as the leading contenders for the first spot. The final calendar still must be approved by the full DNC at its summer meeting in August. The fight carries high stakes because early contests can shape candidate momentum, donor support and debate access in what is expected to be a wide-open 2028 primary. The party has framed the shift as an effort to give more weight to states that better reflect its Black and Latino voting base.