DNC Panel Strips New Hampshire of No. 1 Primary Slot in 26-4 Vote, Favors South Carolina
Updated
Updated · Concord Monitor · Jul 24
DNC Panel Strips New Hampshire of No. 1 Primary Slot in 26-4 Vote, Favors South Carolina
3 articles · Updated · Concord Monitor · Jul 24
Summary
New Hampshire lost Democrats’ first-in-the-nation primary status for a second straight cycle after the DNC rules panel backed South Carolina 26-4; Nevada drew 19 votes.
The panel said a more diverse early-state lineup was needed, pointing to New Hampshire’s demographics — 91% white — and arguing no single state should keep an exclusive hold on going first.
State law still requires New Hampshire to hold its primary at least a week before any other state’s, setting up another clash in 2028 even if top Democrats again bypass the contest.
Ray Buckley and the state’s Democratic delegation called the move wrong for the country, while Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte said New Hampshire would keep defending its historic spot.