California Gov. Gavin Newsom is headed to South Carolina this week, raising eyebrows with a high-profile, two-day visit that’s fueling speculation about a possible 2028 presidential run.
The trip comes as Newsom—term-limited in his current role and already a familiar national figure—prepares to meet voters in the state that kicked off the Democratic primary calendar in 2024. According to the South Carolina Democratic Party, Newsom will attend meet-and-greet events on Tuesday and Wednesday at eight locations, including coffee shops, cafes, and churches.
In a social media announcement, the state party framed the visit as part of its ongoing initiative to spotlight communities they say have been “left behind” under Republican leadership. “The SCDP presents On The Road with Gavin Newsom. We’re making stops across the state to talk with families all over SC. It’s your chance to connect, be heard, and feel seen,” the party posted.
State party chair Christale Spain praised Newsom’s visit, saying, “Governor Newsom leads the largest economy in America and the fourth largest in the world, and he’s coming to meet folks in towns that have been hollowed out by decades of Republican control.”
Newsom has made similar appearances in other key early-voting states. Last year, he traveled to South Carolina to campaign for then-President Joe Biden during the primary, as well as to Nevada and New Hampshire—both influential states in the Democratic nominating process. Biden ultimately dropped out of the 2024 race following a widely panned debate performance, with Vice President Kamala Harris stepping in as the party’s nominee.
Now, with South Carolina, Nevada, and New Hampshire all vying to retain—or reclaim—their early status in the 2028 Democratic primary, Newsom’s visit is being closely watched. The Democratic National Committee is expected to finalize its 2028 primary calendar by early 2027.
While Newsom has consistently denied immediate presidential ambitions, his frequent national travel and high visibility as a surrogate for Biden during the 2024 cycle have positioned him as a likely contender. Political observers view this latest trip as an early move to build relationships with local leaders and party officials that could prove valuable should he launch a presidential bid in the coming years.
The two-day swing gives Newsom a chance not only to connect with voters but also to quietly lay groundwork for a future campaign—if he chooses to run.
