California Gov. Gavin Newsom is kicking off a four-day tour across Alabama, South Carolina and North Carolina, his seventh trip to the South in three years. The "Take it Back Tour" targets more than 10 counties and marks a shift in strategy: previous Southern visits focused on fundraising for other Democratic candidates; this one aims at direct voter mobilization ahead of elections that could reshape Congress.
Newsom's timing fuels persistent speculation about a 2028 presidential bid. He terms out as California governor this year and is barred by state law from a third term, leaving his political future wide open.
The tour begins Sept. 2 in Montgomery, Alabama, with a town hall and meetings with state officials, local leaders and students. On Sept. 3-4, Newsom moves to South Carolina, with stops in three counties Trump won in 2024—a direct play at Democratic weakness in the region. He then spends Sept. 4-5 in North Carolina, organizing and fundraising around Charlotte, Mecklenburg and Union counties.
The governor is undertaking this travel while California's legislative session faces an Aug. 31 deadline, with hundreds of bills awaiting his signature in Sacramento.
