Democratic leaders are considering keeping South Carolina as the first primary state in the 2028 presidential election, a move that could significantly benefit Kamala Harris' campaign.
Rev. Al Sharpton, a prominent civil rights leader, has been pushing for South Carolina to maintain its position in the primary lineup. In a recent statement, Sharpton emphasized the importance of the state in determining the Democratic nominee, citing its history of decisive votes in past elections.
Sharpton's proposal is rooted in the idea that black voters in South Carolina have consistently supported the Democratic Party, and that moving the state down in the primary lineup would be a disservice to their efforts. According to Census data, black people make up around 25 percent of South Carolina's population, nearly double the U.S.'s overall black population percentage.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is scheduled to meet in Washington, D.C. to vote on the states which could be some of the first to vote in the 2028 Democratic primary. The decision has significant implications for candidates, particularly those vying for the Democratic nomination, such as Kamala Harris, who is currently leading in some polls.
Harris and other contenders, including Gavin Newsom, are likely to benefit from a strong showing in South Carolina's primary. Meanwhile, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has also been mentioned as a potential candidate, though her entry into the race remains uncertain.
The outcome of the 2028 primary is far from certain, but the decision on South Carolina's position in the lineup is expected to have a significant impact on the campaign trail.
