South Carolina's selection as the first Democratic primary state on January 22, 2028, has elevated its influence in the 2028 nominating process, drawing frequent visits from potential contenders to build support among the state's large Black voter base. Recent activity includes campaign stops and events by figures such as Gavin Newsom, Cory Booker, Wes Moore, Ro Khanna, Andy Beshear, Mark Kelly, J.B. Pritzker, and Rahm Emanuel, often tied to 2026 midterm efforts. Kamala Harris maintains an edge in trader pricing due to her established appeal in the state, while Jon Ossoff, Raphael Warnock, and others compete closely amid a broad field with no dominant frontrunner. The wide distribution of probabilities reflects early-cycle uncertainty, limited polling data, and the impact of ground-game development ahead of the contest.