Democrats Planning Red State Takeover?

South Carolina’s Democratic Party is launching an aggressive new plan to stay at the front of the 2028 presidential primary calendar — and it involves something many older voters find surprising: a heavy reliance on social media influencers.

Party officials will host a special “creator briefing” in Los Angeles this week during the Democratic National Committee’s winter meeting, according to sources familiar with the strategy. The goal is to persuade DNC members that South Carolina should remain the first state in the Democrat primary lineup, a position it held in 2024 after decades of Iowa and New Hampshire leading the process.

Democrats Shift From Tradition to Online Influencers

State party chair Christale Spain openly admits the party is abandoning traditional outreach in favor of online personalities. She says the move reflects how Democrats now attempt to reach younger voters who rely on social media instead of established news outlets.

As part of the push, the party will bring in influencers across sports, lifestyle, politics, and even gaming. Organizer David Echeverria argues that campaigns must now meet voters “where they are,” claiming that gaming has become the most popular form of entertainment worldwide.

For many Americans — especially older, traditional voters — this shift raises eyebrows. Instead of focusing on policy, Democrats are investing heavily in digital celebrity culture to shape political messaging.

Other States Challenge South Carolina’s Position

South Carolina’s attempt to hold onto its front-runner status comes as New Hampshire, Nevada, and possibly Iowa prepare their own bids to reclaim early-state influence. These proposals are due to the DNC by mid-January, setting up a fierce internal battle.

Old Party Divisions Resurface

The fight once again exposes long-standing fractures inside the Democratic Party — including debates about racial representation, ideological identity, and which states truly reflect the nation’s voters.

South Carolina argues that its diverse electorate and its pivotal role in reviving Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign make it indispensable. Critics counter that New Hampshire’s battleground reputation and Nevada’s progressive base may better represent the party’s future direction.

Why This Matters

For conservatives watching the Democratic Party struggle to define its identity, this influencer-driven strategy highlights an important trend: Democrats are increasingly relying on social media personalities instead of traditional grassroots campaigning.

As the 2028 election cycle ramps up under President Trump’s renewed leadership agenda, the Democrats’ internal fight over primaries — and their reliance on influencers — shows just how uncertain their coalition has become.