Gavin Newsom’s South Carolina Visit Fuels 2028 Presidential Speculation

California Governor Gavin Newsom is setting his sights on South Carolina this week, embarking on a two-day tour that’s got political watchers buzzing about his potential 2028 presidential ambitions. The term-limited governor, known for steering the largest economy in the U.S., will be mingling with voters across eight stops, from cozy cafes to local churches, engaging in meet-and-greets and fielding questions.

This isn’t just a casual visit. South Carolina, a key early primary state in the Democratic calendar, holds significant weight for any hopeful eyeing a national run. Newsom’s trip, hosted by the South Carolina Democratic Party, is framed as a chance to connect with communities often sidelined by the state’s Republican dominance. As party chair Christale Spain put it, Newsom is here to listen to folks in towns 'hollowed out' by decades of GOP control.

Interestingly, this isn’t Newsom’s first rodeo in early-voting states. He campaigned for President Joe Biden in South Carolina last January and made similar stops in Nevada and New Hampshire. With the Democratic National Committee set to finalize the 2028 primary calendar by early 2027, and states like South Carolina vying for the lead-off spot, Newsom’s presence feels like a calculated move to build bridges with local voters and party officials—connections that could prove invaluable down the line.

While Newsom hasn’t officially thrown his hat in the ring for 2028, his national profile and frequent visits to pivotal states speak volumes. Could this be the groundwork for a presidential bid? Only time will tell, but one thing’s clear: South Carolina is more than just a stopover for the ambitious governor.