The Rules and Bylaws Committee voted to keep South Carolina as the first state in the 2028 presidential nominating calendar, with Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan and Virginia following before Super Tuesday. The plan replaces Iowa and emphasizes a more racially diverse early slate to better reflect the party’s coalition, with South Carolina scheduled to vote on January 22, 2028. The full DNC still must approve the calendar at its August meeting, meaning the decision is not final yet. The proposal resulted from months of lobbying by competing states, with advocates arguing that prioritizing Black and Latino voters strengthens the party’s nominee selection. Critics raised concerns about Nevada’s ability to rapidly process results, and some debated whether the lineup truly balanced regional and demographic diversity. Overall, the calendar seeks to broaden the field early while maintaining a core set of traditional early states.