California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday will wrap-up a two-day rural county tour through South Carolina, an important state on the presidential nominating calendar every four years.
On Tuesday, Newsom swung through counties in the Pee Dee and Kershaw County, speaking to rural voters in Republican-leaning counties about getting active in midterms.
“Parts of the state are being taken for granted," Newsom told a crowd on Tuesday packed into the Kershaw County Council on Aging. "The issues I care about most as a Democrat are reflected in the challenges that so many people in rural America face.”
The S.C. Democratic Party said Newsom's trip is an effort to bring nationally known Democrats to areas of the state that have been overlooked in previous elections — by both Democrats and the GOP.
“This is about building partnerships, uplifting communities, and showing rural voters they aren’t forgotten," state Democratic Party Chairwoman Christale Spain said in a release last week.
Newsom started the two-day stretch in Florence County, then stopped in Marion, Marlboro and Chesterfield counties, where he spoke to voters and other area leaders.
In Camden, Congressman Jim Clyburn introduced the governor to a crowd of more than 300 people.
There, Newsom talked about his opposition to book bans, efforts to defund of Planned Parenthood, Medicaid cuts, poverty, and support for immigration initiatives.
He called rural areas the backbone of states.
“We're in a reverse America,” Newsom said, mentioning the Trump administration and last week's passage of the big Republican tax and spending policy bill signed by President Donald Trump on July 4.
“You've got to show respect and that's a pathway to building a framework of partnership," Newsom said. "I want people to be successful even if I disagree with them."
Some in attendance said Newsom’s presence was needed for South Carolina to help push the state toward a more progressive viewpoint.
“The more contact with people the better. I don't see any Republicans coming here,” one person said.
Gregory Torales attended the event with his daughter, Sophia.
He said political leaders, like Newsom, who visit South Carolina are necessary to make all voices heard throughout the state.
“There's a shift in the atmosphere. It has gone to the far-right extreme and average folks from both parties are tired and politicians are realizing that,” Torales said.
South Carolina is a pivotal state for candidates seeking both the Democratic and Republican presidential nominations.
Newsom's visit is widely seen as a possible nod to what he might do in 2028.
"We've got to build a foundation, so as we go around welcoming these candidates who are running for president, ... let's not forget about our school boards," Clyburn said, stopping mid-sentence as people in the crowd laughed and clapped.
Newsom smiled and looked around for the candidate in question.
He still has not disclosed his plans.
He will end his trip to the state visiting Oconee, Pickens, and Laurens counties on Wednesday. He's expected to speak to residents about the impacts of Hurricane Helene in those areas.
Newsom's visit to South Carolina marks the third Democratic governor to visit the state so far this year.
In May, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore attended a weekend of events hosted by South Carolina Democrats and Clyburn.
Next week, another California face is headed to South Carolina.
Congressman Ro Khanna, alongside state Rep. JA Moore, will hold a town hall meeting July 19 in Goose Creek. Khanna plans to discuss impacts of Medicaid and food assistance cuts.
