Florida has once again shaken up the nation’s presidential primary structure by scheduling its Republican primary for Jan. 31. South Carolina followed suit by scheduling an even earlier primary for Jan. 21. The two announcements will likely force New Hampshire to schedule its primary in mid January.

According to Republican and Democratic party rules, only New Hampshire, Iowa, South Carolina and Nevada are allowed to set their primaries or caucuses before March 6. Violating that rule will cost Florida half of its primary delegates.

New Hampshire law requires that its primary be held at least seven days before any other contest (with the exception of Iowa’s caucus). South Carolina’s decision means New Hampshire must set its primary for Jan. 14 or earlier.

Secretary of state William Gardner has said he would do whatever it takes to maintain New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation primary status.