Democrats Visit South Carolina to Build 2028 Presidential Support
High-profile Democratic leaders are campaigning for midterm candidates in South Carolina to build name recognition ahead of the 2028 presidential nominating process.
Several high-profile Democrats are visiting South Carolina to campaign for midterm candidates, a strategy viewed as preparation for the 2028 presidential nominating process. Because South Carolina is the first state in the Democratic primary calendar, potential contenders are using midterm stumping to test their appeal with key voters and build name recognition.
Upcoming visits include California Representative Ro Khanna, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, and former U.S. Ambassador Rahm Emanuel. These follow recent trips by California Governor Gavin Newsom and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Specific activities include Beshear campaigning in Orangeburg and Charleston, Pritzker headlining a fundraising dinner for the local NAACP, and Emanuel meeting with students, pastors, and gubernatorial nominee Jermaine Johnson.
Bre Maxwell, a member of the Democratic National Committee, characterized these visits as a way for potential 2028 candidates to build support under the guise of helping midterm candidates. Republicans are also active in the state, which serves as the first southern primary for the GOP; Texas Senator Ted Cruz recently visited to support Attorney General Alan Wilson during the gubernatorial nomination process.
