Brent Nelsen talks about the DNC’s pick for the first Democratic primary

Furman University’s Brent Nelsen spoke with a White House correspondent for USA Today about South Carolina being selected to host the first Democratic primary set for Jan. 22, 2028. Nelsen, the Jane Fishburne Hipp Professor of Politics and International Affairs, said the pick makes sense as South Carolina is considered by many to be a kind of political proving ground.

“Everybody comes here to test the water,” Nelsen said. “Because we have a significant African American population, it is a great place for Democratic candidates to test their message with one of the main foundational blocks of the Democratic coalition.”

The Democratic National Committee officially tapped South Carolina Aug. 15 for the first primary, superseding traditional leadoff states New Hampshire and Iowa.