News Summary
California Governor Gavin Newsom embarked on a two-day visit to rural South Carolina to strengthen his image within the Democratic Party as he hints at a possible presidential run in 2028. During his address in Bennettsville, he criticized President Trump’s administration, emphasizing the importance of upcoming elections. Newsom’s outreach included discussions on pressing issues such as immigration and infrastructure, aiming to engage traditionally Republican voters. His efforts also resulted in significant fundraising for the local Democratic Party, showcasing his commitment to political engagement in underserved communities.
Bennettsville, South Carolina – California Governor Gavin Newsom commenced a two-day tour in rural South Carolina on July 8, 2025, amid growing speculation regarding a potential presidential bid for 2028. His visit aims to position himself as a significant figure within the Democratic Party, particularly during a rebuilding phase following recent electoral challenges.
During a 15-minute address in Bennettsville, Newsom sharply criticized the administration of President Donald Trump, labeling the first six months of Trump’s second term as “an alarming six months.” He urged voters to utilize their power in the upcoming midterm elections to effectively end Trump’s presidency. The governor emphasized the need to respond to pressing challenges rather than simply waiting for events to unfold.
In addition to promoting the importance of the Democratic presidential ticket for 2024, Newsom portrayed California as “the most un-Trump state” and condemned recent federal immigration crackdowns. He specifically highlighted the deployment of military troops during immigration raids in Los Angeles as unnecessary and cruel, as well as Trump’s controversial management of natural disasters, such as the flooding in Texas. Furthermore, Newsom referenced ongoing clashes with Trump regarding the federal response to wildfires in California.
Trump responded indirectly to Newsom’s visit, labeling him as “one of the worst governors in our country.” This exchange underscores the competitive atmosphere as both parties prepare for future elections.
Over the course of his visit, Newsom addressed a variety of audiences, including African Methodist Episcopal bishops during a major summit in Florence. He stressed the necessity for Democrats to engage with diverse perspectives, particularly within Republican-leaning regions. This outreach is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the Democratic Party’s foothold in areas traditionally overlooked by its candidates.
The chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party expressed gratitude for Newsom’s efforts, especially in fundraising, which reportedly raised $160,000 for the local party. His campaign stops are designed to foster long-term political connections with communities often disregarded during political cycles.
Newsom’s agenda included discussions on vital topics such as rural infrastructure, job creation, and healthcare accessibility during community meet-and-greet events. He also criticized “anti-woke” policies from Republicans and linked them to sentiments that contribute to racial discrimination, particularly against African Americans.
Attendees at Newsom’s events indicated enthusiasm and support for his potential candidacy in 2028, framing the visit as a strategic attempt to reshape how he and the Democratic Party are perceived in key electoral areas. Understanding the complexities of acting as a political surrogate, Newsom acknowledged the challenges of unifying various factions within the party while addressing core issues affecting voters in rural South Carolina.
Looking ahead, Newsom is set to explore additional counties characterized by substantial Republican voter bases to further engage with the electorate and cement his position as a serious contender for the 2028 presidential race. His proactive approach in seeking dialogue and collaboration with constituents marks a significant effort to bridge gaps within the political landscape.
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Gavin Newsom Kicks Off Presidential Bid Tour in South Carolina
Additional Resources
- AP News: Newsom’s South Carolina Tour
- CNN: Newsom Critiques Trump in South Carolina
- WIS TV: Newsom’s Kershaw County Visit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Republican Party
- Greenville Online: Newsom’s Tour in South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
