Governor Newsom’s South Carolina Visit Sparks Speculation About Presidential Ambitions
California Governor Gavin Newsom is currently on a two-day trip to South Carolina, engaging with voters in churches and coffee shops. This visit has sparked widespread speculation about his potential presidential run, although Newsom has not directly addressed the 2028 race.
During his trip, Newsom met with local Democratic leaders and urged them to focus on the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. His stops included several locations in the northeast corner of South Carolina, including LilJazzi’s Cafe in Florence. At the café, he delivered a powerful message about shaping the future and the importance of moral authority over political power.
A Message of Empowerment
Newsom emphasized that the future is something to be manifested through decisions rather than conditions. He highlighted the contrast between his own moral authority and that of former President Donald Trump, stating, “You have that capacity because you have the one thing Donald Trump doesn’t have.”
He also spoke about recent natural disasters and criticized the politicization of such events. Newsom mentioned the criticism he faced from Republican officials during the California wildfires, but he maintained a stance of support for Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
Andrena Mullins, the owner of LilJazzi’s Cafe, described herself as politically neutral but expressed a belief that the U.S. needs change. She concluded with a simple yet powerful statement: “We need love.”
Political Reactions and Criticisms
Newsom was accompanied by Congressman Jim Clyburn during his last stop in Kershaw County. Clyburn praised Newsom, calling him a “wise man” and a “great American” for visiting South Carolina.
However, not all South Carolinians welcomed Newsom’s presence. Republican Attorney General Alan Wilson, who is running for governor, issued a statement criticizing Newsom’s vision for the state. He said, “We don’t need Gavin Newsom’s twisted version of America in the Palmetto State.”
Democratic strategist Steve Maviglio, known for his critiques of Newsom, suggested that the governor is beginning an early campaign in a key primary state. Maviglio noted that South Carolina is likely to be the first state to cast votes for the Democratic presidential candidate in the next election cycle.
Confronting Division and Cruelty
Newsom accused President Trump and his administration of being driven by cruelty and division. He cited the use of immigration officials in Los Angeles’s MacArthur Park as an example of this approach. Newsom stated, “Of the United States of America, he wants the divided states.”
He encouraged Democrats to be resolute in their opposition to Trump, saying, “We cannot be complicit at this moment by being passive at this moment. We cannot sit back and be bystanders at this moment. We’ve got to assert ourselves.”
Connecting with Voters
Newsom shared his background growing up in rural Placer County, which he described as one of the reddest counties in America. Analysts suggest that he is trying to distance himself from his San Francisco roots to avoid appearing as an extreme liberal, which could hinder his political aspirations.
This is not the first time Newsom has visited South Carolina. In 2024, he campaigned for then-President Joe Biden. While Trump won the state in 2020, Biden managed to shift the primary calendar in 2024, elevating South Carolina’s significance. Although the 2028 calendar is not yet set, South Carolina’s primary will remain early and pivotal.
Security and Funding Concerns
The California Highway Patrol is responsible for Newsom’s security during this trip. However, when asked about who is funding the visit, Newsom’s office referred inquiries to his political team, which did not respond.
As Newsom continues his outreach in South Carolina, the political landscape remains fluid, with many watching closely to see if this trip marks the beginning of a broader campaign for the presidency.
