Pete Buttigieg Receives Warm Welcome in South Carolina Amid Talk of 2028 Presidential Run

Pete Buttigieg, once a presidential hopeful, experienced a warm reception in South Carolina, a place pivotal in his 2020 bid. He returned as he contemplated entering the 2028 presidential race.

Buttigieg, formerly in charge of transportation, struggled to gain traction among Black Democrats in South Carolina, coming fourth in the state during the 2020 Democratic primary. This setback led him to drop out of the contest, finishing fifth overall and paving the way for Joe Biden’s victory.

Earlier this month, Buttigieg expressed a strong inclination to pursue a presidential campaign. However, he acknowledged the uncertainties surrounding the race and his family obligations. In South Carolina, Buttigieg received enthusiastic standing ovations at both an NAACP Freedom Fund dinner and a Black church event.

Jaime Harrison, ex-chair of the Democratic National Committee and South Carolina Democratic Party, emphasized the importance of winning over Black voters. Candidates unable to secure Black voter support are unlikely to become the nominee of the party. He underscored this point with his statement: “If you can’t win Black voters, you can’t be the nominee of our party.”

The competition for the Democratic nomination in 2028 is anticipated to be intense, with potential candidates such as Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsom, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in the fray. Jon Ossoff from Georgia is also likely to compete alongside Buttigieg.

A recent Emerson College poll identified Buttigieg, Ossoff, and Newsom as strong contenders against Republicans Marco Rubio and JD Vance. Furthermore, the Saint Anselm College poll showed Buttigieg leading the Democratic field with 25% support, followed by Ocasio-Cortez at 17%.

South Carolina is set to initiate the 2028 presidential primaries on January 22, preceding Nevada at the beginning of February, followed by New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia throughout February.

In 2024, President Biden backed South Carolina as the first state in the primary voting calendar, aiming to highlight the Democratic Party’s capacity to represent its racially diverse base. The Democratic National Committee reaffirmed this decision for 2028, endorsing a schedule designed to strengthen Democratic prospects for the White House.

The DNC’s strategic calendar aims to position Democrats to reclaim the presidency in 2028.

Buttigieg, although greeted positively, refrained from detailing his plans when questioned by reporters, declaring his focus was on 2026 at the moment.

His presence in Reno, Nevada earlier this month stirred speculation about his presidential ambitions.

“Secretary Pete has definitely put himself on my radar for 2028 now,” remarked Davina Perry, a Claflin University student in South Carolina.

Orangeburg, the city known for its civil rights legacy, saw Buttigieg contributing to a local development project named Railroad Corner. Mayor Michael Butler acknowledged Buttigieg’s influence in delivering significant investments into the city.

Butler concluded with a call to welcome Buttigieg, underscoring the value he brought to the community.