South Carolina — California Gov. Gavin Newsom is heading to South Carolina next week for a two-day visit that has reignited speculation about a possible 2028 presidential run.
The Democratic governor will be visiting seven rural counties — Florence, Marion, Chesterfield, Kershaw, Oconee, Pickens, and Laurens — as part of a statewide tour called “On the Road With Governor Gavin Newsom,” according to an announcement by the South Carolina Democratic Party.
Rural Focus: “Showing Up Matters”
“Governor Newsom leads the largest economy in America and the fourth largest in the world, and he’s coming to meet folks in towns that have been hollowed out by decades of Republican control,” said Christale Spain, chair of the state’s Democratic Party.
Spain added the visit aims to build partnerships, uplift rural communities, and send a strong message that no voter is forgotten.
Newsom’s Profile Rises Amid Trump Clashes, 2028 Speculation
Newsom has emerged as a prominent national Democrat, often clashing publicly with former President Donald Trump, particularly over immigration policies and civil unrest in Los Angeles following ICE raids.
Although he has dismissed questions about a 2028 run, the California governor has become a top contender in Democratic circles — especially after his 2024 appearances in South Carolina in support of President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign.
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SC’s Key Role in Future Primaries
South Carolina’s new position as the first voting state on the Democratic presidential primary calendar, starting with the 2024 election cycle, makes this visit strategically significant for any potential future candidate.
“Our strategy isn’t about chasing cable news coverage, it’s about showing up and building trust, town by town, county by county,” Spain said. “That is our path back to power.”
What Do You Think?
Do you think Gavin Newsom should run for president in 2028? Will outreach to rural voters help Democrats rebuild trust in red states?
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