South Carolina or Nevada had been expected to go first, with each state aggressively campaigning for the coveted spot. Advertisement AdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementPresident Joe Biden successfully pushed to move South Carolina to the front of Democrats' 2024 calendar after the state revived his struggling 2020 presidential campaign. South Carolina has long been the first Southern contest and has served as a key test of candidates' support among Black voters. Advertisement AdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementThe decision will also shape the opening stage of what is expected to be a crowded Democratic presidential primary. Politics: WATCH: Wolf Blitzer Delivers Scathing Award Presentation For Epstein Reporting In Front Of TrumpThere has not been a truly open Democratic presidential primary — without an incumbent president or a dominant frontrunner — in almost two decades.