Newsom Tests Presidential Bid Waters in South Carolina

California Governor Gavin Newsom launched a two-day tour of South Carolina on Tuesday, July 8, visiting rural areas and Republican strongholds in a move that has fueled speculation about a possible 2028 presidential bid. “I think it’s really important for Democrats that we spend time in parts of our states, parts of our country, that frankly, we haven’t spent enough time in, and so that’s why I’m here,” the California Governor said. During the tour, Newsom called on voters to “exercise their moral authority” in standing up to President Donald Trump and Republicans in next year’s midterm elections, Knewz.com has learned.

Newsom Spends Time in Small Towns Across South Carolina

Newsom spent his time in small towns across northeastern South Carolina, reflecting a deliberate effort to broaden his appeal beyond California and challenge stereotypes that he is too liberal for red-state voters. The California Governor spoke to crowds in coffee shops and small businesses, shaking hands or posing for photos with them. Newsom visited Bennettsville, a place where Democratic state Rep. Jason Luck said “no one remembers” the last time even the state’s own governor, let alone one from another state, visited. During his visit to the region, Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain thanked Newsom for being “generous with his cash”—a nod to the fundraising efforts organized by the California Governor that helped raise $160,000 for the South Carolina Democratic Party. He also met with approximately 2,500 AME church bishops and described their sermons as “spellbinding.”

Newsom Calls on Democrats to Show Their Strength in 2026

During his tour in South Carolina, Newsom consistently called on Democrats to mobilize for the upcoming midterm elections. At each stop, Newsom underscored the importance of early primary states like South Carolina, not only as key battlegrounds but also as platforms for national Democratic figures to connect directly with voters. In Bennettsville, he made the case that increasing Democratic control in Congress would diminish Trump’s power and empower the party to more effectively “leverage this country.”

‘A Ray of Hope’

According to reports, Newsom promoted his South Carolina visit as a bid to help the party win back the U.S. House of Representatives in 2026 and connect directly with rural Deep South communities that Republicans had overlooked. “I’ve been so depressed. … This is a ray of hope,” said Marion Wagner, a retired postal worker, as she waited for Newsom at his first stop in LilJazZi’s cafe. “This is just the jolt that South Carolina needs,” said Joyce Black, a 63-year-old grant writer. Representative Jim Clyburn, a major Democratic influence in South Carolina, also praised Newsom’s visit, described him as “a hell of a candidate” and encouraged local officials to hear him out. While Clyburn stopped short of formally endorsing Newsom, he did say, “I feel good about his chances.”

Polls Show Newsom’s Shot at Presidential Bid Surging

The California Governor has long been viewed as a potential Democratic presidential nominee, and his handling of the anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles appears to have solidified him as a strong candidate against the Trump administration. While Newsom has been known to butt heads with Trump, the protests in Los Angeles became the most “high-profile” and public clash with the president so far. Newsom’s support seems to have doubled since March, as 11% of the Democrats surveyed in a new poll said they intend to support him in the primary if he chooses to run. In March, the number of Newsom’s supporters amounted to 5%, showing a significant shift in public sentiment toward the California Governor following the L.A. protests. A McLaughlin poll released the same week also saw a considerable number of Democrats supporting Newsom — 8%, up from 4% in May.

The post Newsom Tests Presidential Bid Waters in South Carolina appeared first on Knewz.