California Governor Gavin Newsom has recently made headlines during his visit to South Carolina, a key state for the upcoming presidential primaries. His tour, aimed at engaging with rural voters, has fueled speculation about a potential run for the presidency in 2028. While Newsom has excited many red-state Democrats, some local party members express concerns over his governance in California and insist he needs to address those issues before pursuing a national campaign. Throughout his tour, Newsom has not shied away from criticizing the Trump administration, dubbing the current political climate as ‘America in reverse.’ His strategic tour includes stops in GOP-leaning counties and interactions with pivotal Democratic audiences, positioning him as a viable candidate should he choose to enter the race. However, he faces challenges from both supporters and detractors in South Carolina, where reactions to his visit have been mixed.