Full Breakdown
Democrats Flood South Carolina Ahead of 2026 Midterms and 2028 Presidential Race
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Democratic Campaign Surge in South Carolina
In the weeks before the 2026 midterm elections, a wave of prominent Democrats has traveled to South Carolina to campaign for local candidates and gauge voter sentiment ahead of the 2028 presidential nominating cycle. The visits include California Rep. Ro Khanna, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and former Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel. Earlier trips featured former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego, New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. The candidates have met with state Democratic leader Rep. Jim Clyburn, Senate nominee Annie Andrews, gubernatorial hopeful Jermaine Johnson, and local NAACP chapters, while also holding conversations with pastors and students.
Strategic Importance of the Early Primary
South Carolina’s position as the first state in the Democratic presidential primary calendar makes it a critical testing ground for national candidates. Democratic National Committee member Bre Maxwell noted that the state offers an early read on how campaign messages resonate with Southern voters. The Republican calendar also begins with South Carolina’s southern primary, though the party’s first contest remains the Iowa caucuses. With former President Donald Trump barred from a third term, Republicans such as Texas Sen. Ted Cruz are already assessing their prospects in the state.
Key Figures Visiting
- Ro Khanna – U.S. Rep. from California, exploring 2028 bid.
- Andy Beshear – Governor of Kentucky, discussing his new book with Rep. Clyburn.
- Mark Kelly – Arizona senator, campaigning for Senate nominee Annie Andrews.
- JB Pritzker – Illinois governor, headlining an NAACP fundraiser.
- Rahm Emanuel – Former White House chief of staff, meeting pastors and students, including a dialogue about the 2015 Mother Emanuel AME Church shooting.
Official Perspectives
Democratic officials frame the tour as both candidate support and a reconnaissance mission for the 2028 race. Maxwell explained that candidates are “testing the waters” to measure personal support and voter reception ahead of a potential presidential run. Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who has deep ties to the state, has not scheduled a visit, suggesting she relies on established relationships rather than early-state exposure.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They’re doing it under the guise of, ‘Hey, I’m gonna come to South Carolina, help support this candidate,’ while also having one-off meetings with people to build for what they possibly may do in ‘28,” — Bre Maxwell — Bre Maxwell, Democratic National Committee member, South Carolina.