It’s official: South Carolina is FIRST!
The first state to vote in the 2028 Democratic presidential primary.
And as a Democratic voter, that’s your superpower.
How do I make the most of it?
Join friends from across South Carolina on the first Monday evening of the month for a virtual Zoom Q&A with the Democratic Party’s next generation of national leaders.
During Palmetto Power Hour, voters from across South Carolina gather from 7 to 8 p.m. for a frank, unrecorded discussion. They share thoughts on issues of importance to them and ask questions of the evening’s “special guest.” Guests to date have included thoughtful, responsive Democratic leaders at the national and state levels, with an exciting roster scheduled for upcoming months as the campaign cycle heats up.
Think of PPH as inviting a famous friend you’d like to know better over for a chat.
What’s at stake (besides everything)?
The 2028 presidential primary will be the most consequential for Democrats in almost 40 years. It will define the future of the party and set its trajectory for the next generation—much the way Bill Clinton did in winning the 1992 presidential nomination and rescuing Democrats from the political wilderness.
The primary will be a wide-open race. Unlike in earlier campaign cycles, there is no incumbent Democratic president running for re-election and no obvious “next-in-line” Democratic candidate. The field is sure to be crowded with governors, senators, House members and others seeking the nomination.
As the nation’s first Democratic presidential primary voters, we in South Carolina will play what The New York Times has described as an “outsize role” in determining the 2028 Democratic presidential nominee.
I’m in! How do I join PPH?
Sign up to get invited to the monthly Zoom
“Wow! How amazing was that wonderful Zoom! I came away feeling better and more hopeful than I have in months. So exciting! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be part of something so great!”
- Barb N., South Carolina voter
“The Palmetto Power Hour created a great space for discussion with voters and an expert — to answer questions, provide guidance for future elections, and offer hope that people are trying to breathe life back into the Democratic Party.”
- Perrin S., South Carolina voter
“We much enjoyed the Zoom Session with Celinda Lake— very uplifting and masterfully conducted!”
- Nancy G., South Carolina voter
“Really enjoyed that Zoom event! Will send the website to a long list of people.”
- Carson T., South Carolina voter
“Watched the Palmetto Power Hour for the first time. What a powerful presentation by the speaker…and the questioning process is well done. I will try not to miss another one of these.”
-Richard H., South Carolina voter
“I love the goal of the meetings. Grateful to have been there.”
- Tien L., South Carolina voter
“The speaker was endearing and honest, which is so refreshing. It was a very enjoyable hour!”
-Susie G., South Carolina voter
“Thanks to the Palmetto Power Hour, I’m becoming a much more informed voter, know better what to look for in candidates, and the questions to ask.”
-Annette J., a South Carolina voter
“I found the speakers insightful and am so happy to be with dozens of people willing to put boots on the ground this early in the presidential process. It gave me much-needed hope.”
- Amanda R., South Carolina Voter
“We attended the Palmetto Power Hour this week and were delighted to meet a potential 2028 presidential candidate. We plan to be at these first Monday events going forward. What a great way to get more informed about potential candidates! In this political climate, that seems like an important thing to do.”
- Marilyn H., South Carolina voter