Nevada and South Carolina are the leading contenders to be recommended to head Democrats’ 2028 presidential primary calendar, according to conversations with members of a powerful panel within the Democratic National Committee.

Background

The panel is gathering in Washington, DC, this week to select up to five states for its early primary window, capping months of aggressive lobbying by states looking for a prime spot on the calendar.

Nevada’s backers have pointed to the state’s diversity, strong labor unions, and status as a competitive battleground state as reasons why Democrats should give it the top slot.

Supporters of South Carolina have argued that the party must keep its commitment to Black voters, given the state’s history of picking eventual Democratic primary winners and its significance in the 2020 presidential election.

Decision-Making Process

The committee will recommend a slate to the full DNC to consider as soon as next month, with two scenarios being considered: one where Nevada leads the calendar, followed by South Carolina, Michigan, New Hampshire, and another southern state, and another where South Carolina goes first, followed by Nevada, New Mexico, Michigan, and New Hampshire.

The decision is expected to be made without the influence of a national figure, unlike in 2024 when former President Joe Biden requested that South Carolina be made the first primary state.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.