Washington: Democrats approved a 2028 presidential primary calendar Saturday that moves the US state of South Carolina to the front of the nominating process, giving Black, Latino, and union voters an early influence over the race, according to a US media report.

According to Anadolu Agency, PBS News reported that South Carolina will vote on Jan. 22, 2028, followed by Nevada on Feb. 1. New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia will vote throughout February, replacing Iowa as the traditional first contest.

Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Ken Martin emphasized that the calendar aims to ensure candidates are tested across diverse communities before the general election. Martin stated, “You have to be battle-tested in a way that you already have campaigned in front of and for the support of various communities throughout the country.”

The new lineup places South Carolina’s large Black Democratic electorate first, while Nevada and New Mexico will push candidates to engage with Latino voters. Additionally, Michigan’s auto industry, Nevada’s service-sector unions, and Virginia’s significant federal workforce will bring organized labor into focus.

Former DNC Chairman Howard Dean expressed his approval of the changes, noting, “These states look more like the country,” compared with Iowa and New Hampshire. The early contests are also designed to prepare Democrats for November, with five of the six states considered competitive in general elections and collectively representing 43 Electoral College votes.

South Carolina Democrat Boyd Brown highlighted the party’s straightforward goal, stating: “This is not a social or a debate club. It is a political party.”