Democrats will once again bypass Iowa and New Hampshire’s traditional opening roles in presidential politics, choosing South Carolina to lead a six-state lineup of early contests for the party’s 2028 nomination.

The Democratic National Committee approved the calendar Saturday in Texas, putting states with large Black and Latino electorates and organized labor constituencies near the front of the nominating process.

South Carolina will vote Jan. 22, followed by Nevada on Feb. 1, New Hampshire on Feb. 8, New Mexico on Feb. 15, Michigan on Feb. 22 and Virginia on Feb. 29.

“Our 2028 nominee, whoever they are, will have to earn the support across the full breadth of America. Every region, every demographic, every generation,” DNC Chairman Ken Martin said. “No shortcuts. No coronation. You want to lead this party? Go earn it. Go and earn it.”

The “no coronation” message follows lingering Democratic criticism of the party’s handling of the 2024 election. President Joe Biden abandoned his re-election campaign just 107 days before Election Day after a disastrous debate performance intensified concerns about his age and ability to serve another term.

Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who quickly consolidated support from Democratic leaders and became the nominee without a traditional competitive primary for the open nomination. Harris subsequently lost to Donald Trump.

South Carolina’s elevated position dates to Biden’s presidency. The state rescued his struggling 2020 campaign after poor performances in Iowa and New Hampshire, with Black voters providing the support that helped propel him toward the nomination.

The DNC has now eliminated Iowa entirely from its early-state lineup following the state’s chaotic 2020 Democratic caucuses, when reporting and tabulation problems delayed results.

Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart opposed the decision, warning that Republicans will continue opening their presidential process in Iowa and benefit from the resulting campaign spending and national attention.

New Hampshire Democrats also objected to losing their traditional first-primary status.

“Time and again, New Hampshire has proven we are uniquely suited to battle-test candidates,” state Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley said.

New Hampshire law requires the state to hold its presidential primary before other states, setting up another potential clash with the national party over the 2028 calendar.