California governor embarks on Southern tour to boost Democrats
California Governor Gavin Newsom will visit South Carolina, Alabama, and North Carolina next week as part of his 'Take it Back Tour,' covering ten counties over four days. The trip begins Wednesday and includes stops in areas won by Trump in 2024, with a focus on downballot races and fundraising. Newsom, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, will also walk the U.S. Civil Rights Trail in Alabama.
Newsom’s itinerary targets counties that backed Donald Trump in 2024, signaling an effort to engage voters beyond Democratic strongholds. His South Carolina stops align with the state’s newly secured first-in-the-nation primary slot for 2028. The Alabama leg includes a symbolic walk along the Civil Rights Trail with local leaders, linking historical struggles to current voting-rights debates. Earlier this month, he campaigned in Michigan alongside Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, part of a broader pre-midterm push.
The tour’s stated focus on downballot races and fundraising suggests a strategy to rebuild party infrastructure in the South, where recent losses have narrowed Democratic reach. By visiting rural and suburban areas, Newsom aims to test messaging that could resonate nationally ahead of a potential presidential bid, while also supporting local candidates in competitive legislative contests.
This tour may signal how Democratic leaders plan to counter Republican dominance in the South, potentially energizing local activists and donors ahead of midterms. Voters in the visited counties could see increased campaign attention, though the impact on immediate election outcomes remains uncertain. Newsom’s visibility may also shape early 2028 primary narratives, influencing which issues—such as civil rights or economic messaging—gain national traction. However, the effect depends on whether his presence translates into sustained grassroots engagement beyond the visit.