Newsom’s Upcoming Visit to South Carolina

Governor Gavin Newsom is set to spend a couple of days in rural South Carolina next week, which has sparked speculations about California Democrats possibly gearing up for the 2028 presidential election.

On Thursday, South Carolina Democrats announced that during their visit on July 8 and 9, they would stop in eight rural counties identified as “the most economically challenged and environmentally vulnerable” in the state.

Christian Spain, the chair of the state Democratic Party, mentioned that the purpose of Newsom’s tour is to remind rural voters in areas that have been under Republican control for decades that they are not overlooked.

While the visit targets a state that will host the first Democratic primary in 2028, Lindsey Cobia, a senior political advisor to Newsom, clarified that the governor is not laying groundwork for a presidential bid.

Cobia stated that Newsom’s primary focus is to assist Democrats in regaining the U.S. House of Representatives in the upcoming 2026 elections.

The tour, titled “On the Road With the Governor,” will include stops in Marion, Chesterfield, Marlborough, Lawrence, Pickens, Oconee, Carshaw, and Florence County. Reports indicate that Newsom’s itinerary involves visits to local spots like cafes, coffee shops, community centers, and churches.

This journey will lead to several counties that have traditionally been seen as Republican strongholds. Notably, seven of these counties hosted President Trump in November.

Newsom’s trip to South Carolina is part of a broader effort he has made to engage with voters in the southern states over the last few years. He previously drew attention in 2024 while supporting then-President Biden in South Carolina. In 2023, he engaged in a widely publicized debate with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and in 2022, he ran ads in Texas and Florida, emphasizing differences between their policies on gun violence and abortion.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that California Democrats are not the only ones making moves in South Carolina this month. Silicon Valley Congressman Ro Khanna (D-Fremont) is set to host a town hall in the state on July 19th and 20th, focusing on protecting healthcare in collaboration with advocacy groups. This initiative aims to rally voters in swing districts against proposed Republican cuts to Medicaid.