Term-limited California Gov. Gavin Newsom tours South Carolina for meet and greets at cafes and churches, building relationships in a key early primary state amid 2028 speculation.

Gov. Gavin Newsom, fresh off a trip to South Carolina to test his political appeal ahead of a likely presidential run, announced Friday that California is creating a new agency to consolidate the state’s efforts to confront two of its most pressing challenges: lowering housing costs and helping people off the streets.

C alifornia Governor Gavin Newsom is heading to South Carolina, likely to be a key Democratic primary state, amid speculation he plans to run for president in 2028. Newsweek reached out to Newsom's office for comment via email.

Democratic South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn said Tuesday that he feels good about Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s 2028 prospects,

California Gov. Gavin Newsom embarked Tuesday on a two-day swing through rural South Carolina as the high-profile Democrat seeks to position himself as a leader for a party in rebuilding mode while simultaneously stoking fresh speculation about a potential 2028 presidential bid.

Jim Clyburn, a revered figure often dubbed a "kingmaker" within the Democratic Party, publicly expressed his optimism on Tuesday regarding California Governor Gavin Newsom's prospects for the 2028 presidential election.

South Carolina Democratic Party chairman challenged Gavin Newsom to explain California's homelessness and social safety net failures before considering a presidential run.