Governor Gavin Newsom engaging with locals in South Carolina during his campaign visit.
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Sponsor Our ArticlesCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom embarked on a two-day trip to rural South Carolina aimed at building support for a potential 2028 presidential campaign. During his visit, he criticized President Trump’s policies, particularly regarding job losses and immigration. Newsom’s engagement with local communities included stops in various counties and outreach efforts to connect with voters. Despite criticisms from South Carolina Republicans about his policies, Democratic strategists suggest the trip is key for positioning ahead of the upcoming primary elections.
Bennettsville, South Carolina – Governor Gavin Newsom of California commenced a two-day visit to rural South Carolina on July 8, 2025. The visit is seen as an effort to gain support for a potential presidential campaign in 2028, amid rising interest in his political ambitions.
During his address in Bennettsville, Newsom expressed criticism towards President Donald Trump’s administration, labeling the first half of Trump’s second term as “an alarming six months.” He called upon voters to take action and end Trump’s presidency in the upcoming midterm elections. This marked a notable emphasis on his intention to rebuild the Democratic Party while connecting with local communities.
The governor’s itinerary included stops in several counties, such as Marion, Chesterfield, Marlboro, Laurens, Pickens, Oconee, and Florence. Accompanying him were U.S. Rep. James Clyburn and South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain, both of whom helped facilitate discussions focused on the challenges faced by communities suffering from job losses and climate change-related disasters. Newsom’s approach oscillated between relatable engagement with local voters and pointed challenges to Trump’s policies.
In addition to addressing socio-economic issues, Newsom highlighted his initiatives aimed at countering Trump’s governance. He referenced a defamation lawsuit against Fox News during his speeches, which resonated positively with the audience and drew applause. Newsom took particular aim at Trump’s immigration policies, labeling a military deployment in Los Angeles as “cruel” and ineffective.
He expressed concerns about Trump’s lack of accountability regarding disaster responses, contrasting this with Trump’s previous criticisms aimed at California’s wildfires. The governor emphasized the need for the Democratic Party to assert moral authority in opposition to what he deemed divisive leadership from Trump, underscoring the importance of unity and responsible governance.
Addressing the audience, Newsom frequently employed Southern colloquialisms, making an effort to connect more personally with the voters by using expressions like “y’all.” This technique appeared to enhance his relatability during speeches that were otherwise heavy on policy and critique.
Newsom’s visit also featured a stop at a “summer summit” with African Methodist Episcopal bishops, where he further solidified his outreach efforts to different community sectors. Observers noted that local attendees expressed significant support for Newsom, with some indicating they see him as a potential future president.
However, the governor’s visit did attract mockery from South Carolina Republicans. Critics have pointed to Newsom’s California policies as out of touch with the realities faced by South Carolinians. South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson was among the opponents of Newsom’s message, arguing that it lacked understanding of the state’s needs and characteristics.
Despite the criticism, Democratic strategist Steve Maviglio pointed out that Newsom’s activities are part of a broader strategy to establish a presence in an important state for the early voting segment of the 2028 presidential primary. The political landscape in South Carolina is viewed as critical, especially given its historical role in shaping Democratic nominations.
Newsom previously visited South Carolina to support President Biden during the 2024 election campaign. With the state’s pivotal role anticipated for the upcoming 2028 presidential elections, Newsom’s recent trip is expected to lay the groundwork needed to engage voters and stakeholders across a diverse rural demographic.
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