California Made Gavin Newsom Famous. But Could It Also Be A Liability in 2028?

Gavin Newsom hasn’t formally declared himself a candidate for president yet, but it hasn’t stopped the California governor’s supporters, Democratic party officials and activists from openly discussing his presidential prospects. During a recent swing through South Carolina, where Democrats will hold their first presidential primary, the “Gavin 2028” buttons could already be seen. It’s pretty obvious to many that a White House campaign is in the works.

Newsom himself has been more coy, and yet he has given some not-so-subtle hints about his ambitions. In particular, he has acknowledged that the 2028 presidential race is beginning to take shape and suggested that a decision could come before the end of the year.

Yet the elephant in the room is also his most indelible trait: He’s a Californian born and bred. In an ultra-conservative state like South Carolina, this matters. Even Democratic voters in the Palmetto State who view Newsom positively concede that his home stage comes with considerable political baggage.