At the Democratic National Committee summer meeting in Austin, Texas, members approved the order of states for the 2028 Democratic presidential primary calendar. South Carolina will go first, marking a shift from Iowa and New Hampshire, which traditionally were the first two states. Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart criticized the calendar saying it "fundamentally misses the mark" and is a "product of broken promises." South Carolina DNC member Christale Spain welcomed the decision, calling the calendar "bold" and "fearless" and saying it reflects a commitment to Black and Brown communities.