South Carolina is gearing up for the Shadow 2028 Presidential Primary, with potential candidates from both major parties making appearances in the state.
Recently, California Governor Gavin Newsom toured rural parts of South Carolina over two days, while Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Rep. Ro Khanna are expected to visit later this month.
On the Republican front, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin is set to speak at a South Carolina GOP fundraiser next month, and Sen. Rand Paul from Kentucky just made stops in both South Carolina and Iowa.
This activity has sparked speculation about early efforts toward potential presidential bids and the significance of South Carolina in the upcoming election cycle.
“I can’t look at it any other way,” mentioned Carol Fowler, a member of the South Carolina Democratic National Committee, regarding the notable Democratic figures visiting the state—marking its importance as a key location for Democrats in the 2024 race.
“It seems like they’re definitely considering it,” she adds, pointing to those possible presidential aspirations.
Not long after President Trump’s second term, discussions about the 2028 election are picking up pace. Maryland’s Wes Moore and Minnesota’s Tim Walz traveled to South Carolina in May for the South Carolina Party’s Blue Palmetto Dinner and a Democratic events, also making appearances at a local fish fry hosted by Rep. James Clyburn.
Moore stated he isn’t running for president in 2028, although sources revealed he had considered visiting earlier during the 2024 campaign. During his trip, he also explored business expansion opportunities in Maryland.
Newsom focused on connecting with rural communities often overlooked by Republicans during his recent travels across the region.
Meanwhile, Beshear has scheduled several stops in South Carolina next week, including dinners with local Democrats and a speech at the South Carolina AFL-CIO Convention.
Khanna is also planning a town hall event. He expressed his views on the current administration, criticizing initiatives that he believes are detrimental to struggling families.
Youngkin’s speech at the Silver Elephant Gala in August is anticipated as well.
While South Carolina isn’t the only state attracting 2028 hopefuls, it remains a focal point. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg was in Iowa earlier this year, and Senator Reuben Gallego from Arizona has plans to visit next month, alongside former ambassador Rahm Emanuel in September.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Sen. Amy Klobuchar have also made their presence felt in early primary states, with Klobuchar recently supporting Rep. Chris Pappas in New Hampshire.
Democrats are keen to leverage these visits, not just for presidential ambitions but to strengthen their foothold in the South.
“They understand the need to win in Southern states,” commented Cristale Spain, chair of South Carolina Democrats, highlighting the strategic importance of nurturing voter relationships.
Interest in the upcoming primary has certainly come to the forefront ahead of 2025, with some Democrats noting that it feels a bit premature.
Experts suggest that South Carolina is an ideal testing ground for candidates, allowing them to demonstrate their grassroots support and engagement skills.
Drew McKissick, the state’s GOP chair, emphasized the need for candidates to showcase their capabilities in a smaller, yet influential setting.
However, there’s some uncertainty regarding South Carolina’s position in the evolving Democratic primary calendar. The DNC aims to maintain a fair and transparent process for the upcoming elections.
Michigan Democratic Speaker Rita Hart has expressed concerns, calling for a reassessment of Iowa’s traditional opening status in the caucus system.
Some early state parties are beginning to communicate their perspectives amid these discussions, asserting their historical significance in selecting candidates.
South Carolina leaders are actively participating in conversations about the primary calendar with their DNC counterparts.
The DNC will elect members for its key standing committees, which include those influencing the nomination timeline.
New Hampshire Democrats are adamant about their state’s role, underscoring the value of retail politics in shaping presidential nominations.
In contrast, Nevada Democrats highlight their unique demographic strengths, claiming to serve as a representative cross-section of American society.
Debates about the primary calendar are just getting underway, but Democrats are hopeful for unity as they aim to reclaim the presidency.
“If one views this solely as a quarrel among the initial four states, it might reflect a fundamental misunderstanding,” stated Jim DeMers, a New Hampshire Democratic strategist.
“We really need to focus on showcasing our best as we emerge from these critical processes.”
