Term-limited California Gov. Gavin Newsom tours South Carolina for meet and greets at cafes and churches, building relationships in a key early primary state amid 2028 speculation.

The state Democratic Party chairwoman said the visit is about "building partnerships, uplifting communities, and showing rural voters they aren't forgotten."

The California governor concluded a two-day swing through the early primary state ahead of a likely presidential campaign in 2028.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom embarked Tuesday on a two-day swing through rural South Carolina as the high-profile Democrat seeks to position himself as a leader for a party in rebuilding mode while simultaneously stoking fresh speculation about a potential 2028 presidential bid.