The Democratic National Committee is set to approve a new primary calendar for the 2028 presidential election, which will kick off in South Carolina on January 22, followed by Nevada on February 1. This change is expected to give more weight to the votes of Black and Latino voters, as well as those of union members.

Early States

The early states will include New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia, in addition to South Carolina and Nevada. This new calendar is seen as a way to make the Democratic primary more representative of the country as a whole.

According to DNC Chairman Ken Martin, the new calendar is the result of the party’s efforts to create a more diverse and inclusive process. Martin stated that the calendar should not come as a surprise, given the party’s commitment to diversity.

Impact on Candidates

The new calendar is expected to have a significant impact on the candidates, as they will need to appeal to a broader range of voters. Party strategist Karen Finney noted that candidates will need to be able to connect with voters in different parts of the country, including the South and the West.

Former presidential candidate Howard Dean also weighed in on the new calendar, stating that it is an improvement over the previous system. Dean noted that the new states are more representative of the country as a whole, and will give candidates a better chance to connect with a diverse range of voters.

Organized Labor

The new calendar also takes into account the importance of organized labor in the Democratic Party. Nevada, Michigan, and Virginia are all states with significant union presence, and candidates will need to be able to connect with these voters in order to be successful.

Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.