Gavin Newsom’s sweaty South Carolina tour has Democrats wondering if he’s already running for president in 2028

California Governor Gavin Newsom made his way through South Carolina this week, visiting small towns and meeting with Democratic voters in what his team called a trip to support local party members and disaster-hit communities. The two-day swing took him to five cities, where he spoke at coffee shops, community centers, and a Baptist church.

According to Politico, the visit came with strong backing from Representative Jim Clyburn, a key Democratic figure in South Carolina. Clyburn introduced Newsom as one of “these candidates that are running for president” and told reporters he feels good about Newsom’s chances in a future race. The endorsement from Clyburn, who helped Joe Biden win the state in 2020, signals early support for Newsom’s possible 2028 campaign.

Newsom sweated through his shirt as he moved from stop to stop, quoting from Corinthians and speaking against Donald Trump’s policies. He told crowds that California is the “most un-Trump state in America” and recently even lambasted Trump’s tax‑and‑spending bill as “the ultimate betrayal” in a viral message.

Early signs point to the 2028 presidential campaign

While Newsom’s team said the trip was about supporting local Democrats, it also mirrors Newsom’s broader strategy of engaging conservative voices, like when he drew fire for courting election denier Steve Bannon, a move critics called “unforgivable and insane.”

Voters at the events seemed interested in what Newsom had to offer. At multiple stops, Democrats said the governor ranked high on their early list of 2028 favorites. They liked his willingness to defend Democratic values like diversity and education. One veteran jeweler even joked with Newsom about being his running mate, saying, “If you need a vice president to run with you, come see me.”

However, Newsom faces challenges ahead. Recent polls show former Vice President Kamala Harris with a wide lead among Black voters, who make up a large part of South Carolina’s Democratic base. Other possible candidates, like Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, are also making visits to the state. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, seen as more moderate than Newsom, is scheduled to visit later this month. When asked about Harris, Newsom said, “Let’s figure out which’ path she chooses, and ‘We’ll see what decisions she makes.”