Democrats move South Carolina to first primary in 2028, demoting Iowa

South Carolina is set to become the first state to hold a presidential nominating contest, a shift that moves the spotlight away from Iowa, which has traditionally opened the primary calendar. The change, confirmed by both the Democratic National Committee and the Republican National Committee, places South Carolina’s primary on February 3, ahead of Iowa’s scheduled caucus later that month. Officials cited the Palmetto State’s more diverse electorate as a reason for the adjustment, aiming to give a broader cross‑section of voters an early voice in the selection process.

The decision has prompted mixed reactions from campaign teams and political analysts. Candidates are recalibrating their strategies to engage South Carolina’s electorate earlier than anticipated, while some Iowa officials expressed disappointment over the loss of their historic first‑in‑the‑nation status. Observers note that the new ordering could influence momentum and media coverage in the early stages of the race, potentially reshaping the dynamics of the presidential nomination contests.