California Gov. Gavin Newsom heads to South Carolina as Democrats eye 2028 election

California's Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is already considered a potential frontrunner for the party's nomination for president in 2028, is heading to South Carolina next week to speak with residents about natural disasters. 

Newsom is expected to meet residents on Tuesday, July 8, and Wednesday, July 9, according to the South Carolina Democratic Party (SCDP). 

The two-day trip comes as the state prepares for the 2025 hurricane season and as California battles a series of wildfires.

“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 reported by Politico.

The governor most recently visited the state in January 2024, in order to campaign for former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris. 

The trip comes as Democrats begin looking to the 2028 presidential election and the 2026 Congressional midterms. The party suffered a major defeat last year after losing the White House and control of the Senate, and has struggled to unite behind a party leader in the months since.

Newsom, Harris and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are among the top Democratic candidates for the 2028 presidential nomination. Other potential candidates include former White House official Rahm Emanuel, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

No Democrat has officially declared their candidacy at this point.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.