U.S. Representative James Clyburn, an influential South Carolina Democrat, seemingly introduced Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom at an event Tuesday by saying in part, “welcoming these candidates who are running for president.”
According to reporters in the room, Newsom, 57, grinned and jokingly turned around to take a look behind himself.
Newsweek reached out to Newsom’s office via email for comment.
Why It Matters
The moment, captured by reporters and shared across social media, fuels already heightened speculation about Newsom’s intentions for the 2028 presidential race.
Clyburn was pivotal in former President Joe Biden‘s path to the 2020 Democratic nomination—his endorsement ahead of the South Carolina primary is widely credited with reviving Biden’s campaign and helping him secure the presidency.
As the Democratic Party grapples with the fallout of the 2024 election loss, leaders have struggled to get behind a unified message as calls for primarying establishment candidates have rung from within.
What To Know
On the first day of Newsom’s two-day tour of rural counties in the Palmetto State, Clyburn introduced him in Camden—while noting the importance of electing Democrats across the ballot—saying, “as we go around, welcoming these candidates who are running for president,” prompting Newsom to sport a “sheepish grin” and look behind himself, according to reporters including Joseph Bustos of The State Newspaper.
Politico reporter Tyler Katzenberger posted about the moment on X, formerly Twitter, questioning if the moment was a “Freudian slip?”
Katzenberger also reported that the California governor has “sidestepped questions” on the topic amid his time in South Carolina.
At the event, Newsom ripped the recently passed and signed into law “big, beautiful bill” touted by President Donald Trump.
He also spoke on civil rights and disaster aid, according to State Newspaper reporter Lucy Valeski on X, who also reported that the governor said he is squarely focused on building up the party as the midterm elections approach.
“What we’re experiencing is America in reverse,” Newsom told the crowd, per ABC News. “They’re trying to bring us back to a pre-1960s world on voting rights—you know it well. Civil rights, LGBTQ rights, women’s rights and not just access to abortion, but also access to simple reproductive care, contraception … It’s a moment that few of us could have imagined.”
Early polls testing the waters of the Democratic Party ahead of the 2028 race show several figures, including Newsom, as potential leaders for the party’s future direction.
An Emerson poll released in June found that former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg was leading the pack of potential hopefuls, surging past former Vice President Kamala Harris. Newsom followed in third place in the survey.
Newsom oversaw the state response to the deadly wildfires in January that inundated Southern California, destroying thousands of structures and prompting evacuations for thousands of people.
In June, protests and riots took over portions of downtown Los Angeles in reaction to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids throughout the city. The governor has since been embroiled in public feuds on social media with the Trump administration regarding numerous policies.
What People Are Saying
Newsom posted to X on Tuesday: “Millions without healthcare and food assistance. Trillions added to the national debt. All to fund tax cuts for billionaires that weren’t even asking for them. Donald Trump’s bill is a betrayal to the American people.”
California Republican Party, on X: “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.”
Political science professor at Columbia University, Robert Y. Shapiro, to Newsweek via email Tuesday: “Three things: It looks like Newsom would like to enter the presidential race. He has been getting visibility in taking on Trump and taking his shot on the homelessness issue where he could be vulnerable. And he is with Clyburn who has been a kingmaker, so to speak.”
“Second, Clyburn is likely to be going around with other potential candidates and he wants to give candidates visibility so voters can start seeing who the good ones are,” Shapiro said. “Third, he will not endorse anyone early. He will want to see how they stand up on their own and he will weigh in later in the primary season when he can see who is a good candidate and a very viable candidate, and when his endorsement can count most.”
What Happens Next
The Democratic field for 2028 is expected to remain fluid until after the midterm cycle, when a clearer picture of national priorities, party unity and key endorsements—including from influential figures like Clyburn—emerge. The party’s efforts to clarify its message and leadership will likely intensify as primary season nears.