California Gov. Newsom Visits South Carolina Amid 2028 Bid Speculation

California Governor Gavin Newsom is touring rural and conservative areas of South Carolina, signaling a potential presidential run in 2028. His visits to churches, coffee shops, and small businesses in GOP strongholds and rural counties aim to connect with voters across party lines, as he softens some of his traditionally liberal stances and focuses on common issues like disaster aid. Newsom has publicly criticized President Trump's immigration policies, highlighting federal immigration enforcement actions in Los Angeles. This outreach in a key early primary state suggests Newsom is attempting to broaden his appeal beyond his San Francisco liberal base by engaging diverse Democratic electorates and even courting some Trump supporters. The governor's strategy includes distancing himself from some progressive policies, such as expressing opposition to dismantling police departments and addressing contentious cultural issues, to position himself competitively in a potentially crowded Democratic field. Observers see these efforts as part of a calculated move to build momentum and support ahead of the 2028 presidential nomination process.