California Governor Gavin Newsom appears to be actively testing the waters for a 2028 presidential campaign.

The Golden State governor is visiting the pivotal Democrat primary state of South Carolina on Tuesday and Wednesday.

During a Tuesday gathering with South Carolina Democrat Congressman Jim Clyburn, Newsom reportedly exhibited a ‘sheepish grin‘ when introduced as a potential candidate ‘running for president.’ 

Clyburn had previously held his annual fish fry event in May with two other notable figures on the 2028 Democratic shortlist—fellow governors Wes Moore of Maryland and Tim Walz of Minnesota. 

Though South Carolina Democrats seemed to extend a warm reception to Newsom, some of the state’s Republican Congressional members did not share the same sentiment. 

GOP Congressman Russell Fry of South Carolina’s 7th District wrote on X that ‘Gavin Newsom in South Carolina today is like a kale salad at a Waffle House—confused, unwelcome, and about to get sent back.’

Congresswoman Nancy Mace challenged Newsom to a debate, noting that she would ‘bring common sense policies’ and suggesting that the Californian bring his ‘best hair gel.’

Newsom responded to Mace with ‘this you or one of your burner accounts? I honestly can’t tell these days.’ 

That post included a screenshot of an article that alleged Mace instructed her staff to use ‘burner accounts’ to ‘hype her up.’

California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at Fisher Hill Community Baptist Church on July 8, 2025 in Cheraw, South Carolina. The governor is on the first of a two-day tour of rural counties in South Carolina, hosted by the state Democratic Party

U.S. Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC) (L) gets a response after intimating that California Gov. Gavin Newsom (C, left) is campaigning for president at the Kershaw County Center on July 8, 2025 in Camden, South Carolina.

Rep. Russell Fry on X

California Gov. Gavin Newsom greets attendees at Fisher Hill Community Baptist Church on July 8, 2025 in Cheraw, South Carolina.

An aerial view of workers clearing a business which burned in the Eaton Fire on July 07, 2025 in Altadena, California. July 7th is the six month anniversary of the Eaton and Palisades fires which claimed 30 lives and left more than 16,000 structures destroyed.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore speaks to reporters as Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., left, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz look on at Clyburn’s World Famous Fish, Friday, May 30, 2025, in Columbia, S.C.

The California gov also took shots of his own at GOP Senator Lindsey Graham, sharing a photo of a crowd of Democrats in Graham’s hometown along with the caption ‘Happy Birthday, @LindseyGrahamSC! Great to be in a packed room in your hometown this morning!’

The South Carolina Senator quipped back at the California Governor, writing on X that ‘if you’ve ever wondered how many liberals there are in Seneca, South Carolina… we now know they can all fit in one room with Governor @GavinNewsom!’

Graham is running for re-election to the U.S. Senate in the 2026 midterms next year. 

South Carolina Congresswoman Nancy Mace on X

California Governor Gavin Newsom on X

California Governor Gavin Newsom on X, calling out GOP Senator Lindsey Graham while visiting his hometown

 Republicans in Newsom’s home state meanwhile took to X to voice their frustrations about their governor taking a cross country trip while his own state is suffering.

The Los Angeles region has recently fallen victim to tragedy, both natural and man made.

Less than six months ago, devastating wildfires burned through the LA region, and just last month, manmade fires burned as riots raged in Los Angeles over the presence of ICE officers on the region. 

Republican David Tangipa, a member of the California State Assembly, wrote on X, ‘I can’t think of anything more disrespectful— @GavinNewsom is in South Carolina while LA still looks like this 6 months after the fire.’

Including a photo of a burned out beachside California town in his post, Tangipa added ‘this photo was taken this week. When Californians need their Governor, he’s not even in the state.’

The California Republican party also chimed in on their govs trip. 

‘While @GavinNewsom is in South Carolina today, maybe he should ask its @GOP governor, @HenryMcMaster why South Carolina’s gas prices are less than half as much as they are here. Gavin could learn something to benefit Californians rather than lecturing Americans 3,000 miles away,’ the CA GOP posted on X.

Steve Hinton, a Republican running for governor to replace the term-limited Newsom posted a video to X decrying the governor’s trip, noting that ‘he spends his time ‘trolling Trump’ and filing pathetic lawsuits. What an insult to every Californian.’

Republican David Tangipa, a member of the California State Assembly on X

Trolling appears to be what Newsom does best, much better than actually governing.

While his state has suffered, Newsom has made headlines with his recently released podcast.

He’s hosted conversations with the likes former Trump White House Strategist and War Room host Steve Bannon, and Turning Point USA founder and conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.