Five Southern Democratic state party chairs have publicly backed South Carolina's bid to maintain its position as the first contest in the 2028 Democratic presidential primary calendar. The chairs represent party leadership across the Southeast and argue that South Carolina's status as the leadoff state remains essential for Democratic competitiveness in the region.
South Carolina Democrats secured the first position in the 2024 primary cycle after President Joe Biden championed the change from Iowa's traditional role. That shift proved consequential. South Carolina voters delivered Biden a decisive victory in February 2024, revitalizing his campaign after disappointing finishes in earlier contests and establishing momentum heading into Super Tuesday.
The push from Southern Democratic chairs reflects broader regional concerns about representation in the presidential nominating process. South Carolina holds particular strategic value. The state has a substantial Black Democratic voter base that typically turns out heavily in primaries. The electorate there has proven influential in shaping which candidates gain traction nationally.
Party officials in other Southern states now openly support keeping South Carolina first rather than competing for the position themselves. This coalition approach suggests consensus among regional Democratic leadership that South Carolina's position benefits Democrats broadly rather than creating divisive competition among states.
The 2028 calendar remains unsettled as Democratic National Committee leadership weighs various proposals for the nomination process. Different states and party factions continue advocating for preferred arrangements. However, the unified Southern support for South Carolina's retention carries political weight within party councils that design the primary schedule.
Maintaining South Carolina's first position would continue a recent departure from decades of tradition when Iowa held the opening slot. The change reflected evolving DNC priorities around demographic representation and electability testing. Southern Democratic chairs apparently view this realignment as beneficial to party interests, positioning South Carolina as the venue where Democratic frontrunners prove viability with a diverse and reliable Democratic electorate.