California Gov. Gavin Newsom promoted his more than 2,000-mile jaunt from California to South Carolina as a bid to help the party win back the U.S. House of Representatives in 2026, but most people there saw it as a precursor to a 2028 presidential run.

Gov. Gavin Newsom of California met with Democratic voters in an early primary state that has become pivotal in presidential races.

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