California Gov. Newsom Visits South Carolina Regions Amid 2028 Speculation

California Governor Gavin Newsom is touring rural counties in South Carolina as part of the South Carolina Democratic Party's efforts to engage communities often overlooked by Republicans and impacted by natural disasters and economic challenges. This tour includes meet-and-greet events across several counties, where Newsom aims to listen to local concerns and advocate for federal support on jobs, health care, infrastructure, and disaster relief. While Newsom's campaign denies any presidential ambitions, his presence in South Carolina—a key early state for the 2028 Democratic primary—has fueled speculation about a possible 2028 presidential run, especially after U.S. Representative James Clyburn introduced him as one of several presidential candidates. Political strategists and party leaders emphasize the importance of rebuilding Democratic strength in rural areas and countering Republican control. Newsom has also criticized policies promoted by President Donald Trump during these visits, highlighting civil rights and bipartisan disaster relief efforts. The tour reflects ongoing Democratic efforts to unify and rebuild after their 2024 election loss while positioning potential 2028 candidates in critical battleground states.