Three Democratic presidential hopefuls are set to campaign in South Carolina over ten days in July 2025, signaling an increasingly early start to the political landscape leading up to the 2028 presidential election. California Governor Gavin Newsom recently visited the state, where he was greeted with chants of “2028,” despite maintaining that his trip aimed to bolster the party for the upcoming 2026 midterms.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear is also making headlines with his own tour this week, focusing on union members and the state’s Black community. His remarks are expected to draw contrasts with Newsom on various cultural issues, highlighting a broader political strategy to win back voters who may feel disillusioned with the Democratic Party.
Additionally, Congressman Ro Khanna, a progressive figure allied with the Bernie Sanders faction, will visit South Carolina shortly after Beshear, aiming to connect with Black voters alongside civil rights leader Jesse Jackson’s son. Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is reportedly engaging with key South Carolina Democrats, indicating strong interest in running as well.
The early campaigning comes as the Democratic Party seeks to rebuild and reposition itself after significant losses in the 2024 election cycle, where they lost the presidency and both chambers of Congress. Currently, Democrats express a more optimistic outlook for the 2028 race, where Republican candidates will not benefit from incumbency, creating an opportunity for a diverse range of candidates. Political operatives estimate that up to 30 prominent Democrats could enter the race.
Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett emphasized the need for early visibility among potential candidates, expressing a desire for clarity on the party’s leadership. Similarly, Beshear emphasizes the need for the party to appeal to moderate and skeptical voters, arguing that Democrats have a significant opportunity to regain influence in swing regions.
Notably, prominent figures such as Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Maryland Governor Wes Moore have already made appearances in South Carolina, while others like Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro are adopting a more cautious approach.
Overall, as candidates begin to establish their presence in key primary states, the early activity may energize the Democratic base and provide insights into how the party may navigate the 2028 election cycle. Local party leaders and voters are expressing excitement about the upcoming years, suggesting a potential revival of Democratic fortunes if the right candidate emerges.