Newsom Tours South Carolina, Eyes 2028 Presidency/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ California Gov. Gavin Newsom launched a two-day tour across South Carolina, signaling potential ambitions for the 2028 presidential race. He’s visiting Democratic and Republican strongholds, aiming to connect with diverse voters. South Carolina’s pivotal early primary role attracts multiple future contenders.
Gavin Newsom South Carolina Tour Quick Looks
- Newsom tours South Carolina, hints at 2028 run
- Visits coffee shops, churches, small businesses statewide
- Emphasizes talking to voters in GOP areas
- Newsom seeks to soften liberal San Francisco image
- South Carolina likely to remain first Democratic primary state
- Other 2028 hopefuls also testing messages in state
- Black voters wield major influence in SC Democratic politics
- Newsom engages on contentious issues like transgender sports, policing
Deep Look
Gavin Newsom Swings Through South Carolina, Signaling Potential 2028 White House Run Amid Pivotal Early State Politics
FLORENCE, S.C. (AP) — California Governor Gavin Newsom on Tuesday kicked off a two-day tour through South Carolina, venturing into both Democratic enclaves and staunch Republican territory, fueling speculation about his intentions for the 2028 presidential race.
Over the course of Tuesday and Wednesday, Newsom plans eight stops around the state, engaging voters in coffee shops, local businesses, and churches—a deliberate effort to connect with South Carolina’s diverse electorate and shed his reputation as solely a West Coast liberal.
At his first stop, a coffee shop in Florence, Newsom greeted nearly all of the roughly 100 attendees, emphasizing the importance of dialogue across political divides.
“I think it’s really important for Democrats that we spend time in parts of our states, parts of our country, that frankly, we haven’t spent enough time in, and so that’s why I’m here,” Newsom told the crowd.
Strategy To Broaden Appeal
Newsom’s visit reflects a calculated move to reshape his national image ahead of what is expected to be a crowded 2028 Democratic field. Touring South Carolina—home to significant Black voter influence and a diverse electorate crucial to Democratic success—signals his determination to be seen as a viable candidate beyond California.
On Wednesday, Newsom will venture into South Carolina’s conservative Upstate region, starting his day in Seneca, the hometown of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. In the 2024 general election, Donald Trump carried surrounding Oconee County with more than 75% of the vote, underscoring the political challenge of Newsom’s outreach.
Balancing Progressive Roots With Broader Appeal
In recent months, Newsom has demonstrated a willingness to challenge traditional progressive positions that have defined his political brand. He has hosted Trump allies on his podcast and surprised some Democrats by agreeing with conservative guests on restricting transgender women and girls in sports. He’s also labeled the idea of dismantling police departments as “lunacy” and refrained from publicly correcting Steve Bannon when the Trump ally falsely claimed Trump won the 2020 election.
Such moves may reflect Newsom’s effort to project a more centrist, nationally palatable image ahead of 2028.
South Carolina’s Pivotal Role
Although the 2028 Democratic primary calendar is still months from being finalized, South Carolina’s influence is all but guaranteed. President Joe Biden’s decisive 2020 primary win in the state resurrected his candidacy, prompting Democrats to elevate South Carolina to the first-in-the-nation primary spot for 2024. State Democratic Party chair Christale Spain has vowed to fight to keep South Carolina at the front of the line for the 2028 cycle.
South Carolina’s status as the first southern primary state has historically given it outsize sway, thanks especially to its large Black electorate—a demographic essential for any Democratic nominee.
Other Contenders Testing The Waters
Newsom is not alone in courting South Carolina voters. In May, Governors Tim Walz of Minnesota and Wes Moore of Maryland headlined several Democratic events across the state, using appearances to introduce themselves and float early presidential campaign messages.
Both men also participated in Rep. Jim Clyburn’s iconic World Famous Fish Fry—a lively political gathering featuring fried fish, music, and passionate stump speeches, where countless Democratic hopefuls have launched or boosted their presidential campaigns.
As the Democratic field begins to take shape for 2028, South Carolina is proving once again to be a critical proving ground for candidates seeking to gauge support, build relationships, and secure vital momentum in one of the party’s most influential early battlegrounds.
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