Democrat Governor of California Gavin Newsom has not officially announced he’s running for president in 2028, but for the last several months, he’s been making moves that hint he’s interested in making a run.
His latest move continues that trend.
The South Carolina Democratic Party has announced that Newsom will make a two-day trip to the state to speak with voters.
Newsom’s trip is quite strategic, considering South Carolina is where the Democratic primaries begin.
Politico had these details to report on Newsom’s trip to South Carolina:
California Gov. Gavin Newsom will meet with voters across South Carolina in a two-day trip through the state next week, further fueling speculation that the Democratic governor is preparing for a 2028 presidential run.
The South Carolina Democratic Party — which announced the trip Thursday — is marketing the series of meet-and-greets as an opportunity for the governor to meet with communities impacted by natural disasters and “speak to the urgent need for federal support and investment” in the wake of Hurricane Helene and the Los Angeles wildfires.
Newsom traveled to the state in January 2024 to stump for former President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in the run-up to the presidential election.
He received a lukewarm reception from some voters skeptical of his liberal reputation, POLITICO reported at the time.
The state has held a key role in recent nominating contests as the first state in the South to vote. The Democratic National Committee — under Biden — elevated it to be the first sanctioned primary contest in 2024, and the state is fighting to hold onto its favored status in the presidential selection process.
“For two days, Governor Newsom will listen to local concerns, share proven solutions on jobs, health care, and rural infrastructure, and spotlight South Carolinians who are already driving progress in their hometowns,” the SCDP said in a press release.
🚨 BREAKING: Ahead of his 2028 campaign, Gavin Newsom will tour 8 rural counties in SOUTH CAROLINA…
…the FIRST Democratic primary state of 2024.
Yeah, folks, it's happening. pic.twitter.com/4p71fPjF8s
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) July 7, 2025
Last month, Newsom challenged Vice President JD Vance to a debate just hours after Vance visited California.
Take a look:
Hey @JDVance — nice of you to finally make it out to California.
Since you’re so eager to talk about me, how about saying it to my face?
Let’s debate. Time and place?
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 20, 2025
Fox News had more details to share on the callout:
California Gov. Gavin Newsom challenged Vice President JD Vance to face off in a debate.
“Hey @JDVance — nice of you to finally make it out to California. Since you’re so eager to talk about me, how about saying it to my face? Let’s debate. Time and place?” the Democratic governor said in a Friday post on his @GavinNewsom X account.
So far, the vice president has not replied on the social media platform to Newsom’s challenge.The vice president lambasted the Golden State governor and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass while delivering remarks in Los Angeles on Friday.
Vance said that the governor “is endangering law enforcement,” adding, “The law enforcement officials themselves tell me as much.”
Newsom communications director Izzy Gardon pushed back, calling Vance “a liar” in an email to Fox News Digital on Saturday.
“Jose Vance is a liar. The Vice President’s claim is categorically false. There is no evidence to support his made-up claim — and we challenge him to produce any. The Governor has consistently condemned violence, including against law enforcement officers, and has made his stance clear over and over again. Here are at least a dozen examples,” Gardon wrote, providing a list of more than a dozen links to posts on the @CAgovernor X account.
ADVERTISEMENTOne of the posts reads, “Los Angeles: don’t take Trump’s bait. Trump wants chaos and he’s instigated violence. Those who assault law enforcement or cause property damage will risk arrest. Stay peaceful. Stay focused. Don’t give him the excuse he’s looking for.”
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