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Newsom's South Carolina Push, $1.7 Million Network Hint at 2028
Gavin Newsom is the governor of California, but he has not said he will run for president in 2028.
He has visited South Carolina several times, including in September 2026.
South Carolina will hold the first Democratic presidential primary contest in 2028.
Newsom has held public events there and met with local political leaders.
He has also helped raise more than $1.7 million for Democratic groups in 14 states.
This gives him connections with donors and voters outside California.
Some people think these activities look like preparation for a presidential campaign.
Other people worry that his California record may not be popular across the country.
Newsom has said he could decide whether to run before the end of 2026.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has not announced a 2028 presidential campaign.
He made his third South Carolina visit during the current midterm cycle in September 2026.
Newsom has helped raise more than $1.7 million for 14 state Democratic parties and legislative committees.
His fundraising included more than $300,000 for the South Carolina Democratic Party from more than 74,000 donors nationwide.
Supporters see national potential in his outreach, while critics question whether his California record can appeal beyond the state.
- Who
- California Governor Gavin Newsom, South Carolina Democrats, and potential 2028 Democratic presidential voters.
- What
- Newsom is building political relationships and fundraising connections while considering, but not announcing, a possible 2028 presidential campaign.
- Where
- South Carolina and 13 other states whose Democratic parties or legislative committees received fundraising support.
- When
- During the current two-year election cycle, including a September 2026 South Carolina visit; Newsom said he could decide before the end of 2026.
- Why
- To support Democrats in the midterms while testing Newsom's national appeal and building relationships ahead of a possible 2028 campaign.
Potential Strengths
Potential Concerns
National political reach
Potential Strengths
Repeated visits to South Carolina and fundraising across 14 states could help Newsom build relationships with voters, donors, activists, and state party organizations beyond California.
Potential Concerns
Newsom's national appeal remains untested, and South Carolina voters questioned whether his California-based record would translate across the country.
California record
Potential Strengths
Newsom points to California policies including expanded healthcare coverage, paid sick leave, universal free school meals, a $20 fast-food minimum wage, and action on abortion, climate change, and gun control.
Potential Concerns
Critics point to California's high taxes and policies they say have encouraged businesses and residents to leave, while Republican protesters urged Newsom to address problems in his home state first.
Fundraising operation
Potential Strengths
Supporters say the more than $1.7 million raised for state Democratic organizations and the 74,000-donor base distinguish Newsom from other potential 2028 contenders.
Potential Concerns
Fundraising success does not by itself establish that Newsom will run or demonstrate that he can win support outside California.
Key facts
- Presidential status
- Newsom has not formally announced a 2028 presidential campaign.
- South Carolina visits
- His September 2026 trip was his third visit to the state during the current midterm cycle.
- Fundraising total
- More than $1.7 million was raised for 14 state Democratic parties and legislative committees.
- Donor base
- More than 74,000 donors contributed through Newsom's fundraising operation.
- South Carolina fundraising
- Newsom raised more than $300,000 for the South Carolina Democratic Party, including $370,000 according to the state party chair's broader one-year figure.
- Cash on hand
- Newsom's Campaign for Democracy and affiliated committees had more than $14 million at the end of June, according to Federal Election Commission data cited by Axios.
- South Carolina role
- The state is set to host the first Democratic presidential primary contest in 2028.
Quotes
Christale Spain
Chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party
“I think this thing’s happening. There are folks out here. They’re saying they’re already starting to interview state directors. So this thing is going to happen very, very quickly.”
financialexpress.com
“We want the Democratic Party, the Democrats in those counties, to know that we are alive and well.”
financialexpress.com
Sources
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