California’s slick-haired governor is headed to South Carolina’s backroads. Gavin Newsom, the Golden State’s progressive poster boy, will visit rural counties on Tuesday and Wednesday to talk natural disasters and federal aid, as Breitbart reports. It’s a curious move for a man whose state’s wildfires and liberal policies often spark conservative ire.

Newsom’s trip, announced Thursday by South Carolina Democrats, targets eight economically and environmentally hard-hit counties to discuss recovery from disasters like Hurricane Helene and Los Angeles wildfires.

Political watchers see this as a calculated step toward a 2028 presidential bid, aiming to charm Black voters in a pivotal primary state. The visit smells less like altruism and more like ambition.

Last January, Newsom stumped in South Carolina for Biden and Harris, but some locals gave him the cold shoulder. His West Coast liberal reputation -- think high taxes and sanctuary cities -- didn’t sit well with voters wary of his agenda. He’s back now, hoping a focus on disaster relief might soften his image.

Testing the presidential waters

South Carolina’s Democratic primary is a kingmaker, and Newsom knows it. Joe Biden’s 2020 win, fueled by Rep. Jim Clyburn’s endorsement and Black voter turnout, reshaped the race as rivals bowed out.

Newsom’s visit seems designed to lay groundwork with those same voters, though his California baggage may weigh him down.

The governor’s aides insist this trip is about boosting Democrats for the 2026 midterms. But with no competitive congressional races in South Carolina, per the Cook Political Report, that excuse feels thinner than a low-country oyster. It’s hard to buy that Newsom’s heart is set on local races when 2028 looms large.

Newsom’s focus on natural disasters is strategic, tapping into real pain felt by rural communities. Hurricane Helene left scars, and South Carolina’s poorest counties need federal help to rebuild.

Yet, conservatives might ask why Newsom’s own state, plagued by wildfires and mismanaged forests, isn’t his priority.

Black voters in focus

Connecting with Black voters in South Carolina’s impoverished areas is Newsom’s clear goal. Biden’s 2020 success showed their influence, and Newsom wants a piece of that loyalty. But his progressive policies, like California’s aggressive climate mandates, may not resonate with folks more worried about jobs than carbon footprints.

South Carolina’s primary clout stems from its early slot in the Democratic Party primary calendar, a change cemented in 2024. Newsom’s visit signals he’s playing the long game, building ties in a state that can make or break candidates. It’s a bold move, but skepticism from 2024’s lukewarm reception lingers.

Newsom’s disaster relief pitch could strike a chord if he keeps it practical. Rural voters, battered by storms and economic woes, want solutions, not sermons on green energy. If he leans too hard into California-style progressivism, he risks alienating the very folks he’s courting.

Conservative doubts persist

Conservatives watching Newsom’s trip see a pattern of political theater. His aides’ midterm excuse doesn’t pass the smell test when South Carolina’s races are locked up. This feels like a dress rehearsal for a national stage, not a genuine outreach to local Democrats.

Newsom’s liberal track record -- think sky-high gas taxes and soft-on-crime policies -- makes him a tough sell in the South. South Carolina voters, proud of their pragmatic streak, may bristle at a coastal elite preaching federal fixes. His challenge is proving he’s more than a polished resume.

Still, Newsom’s focus on disaster aid shows some savvy. Rural communities, often ignored by urban politicians, crave attention to their struggles. If he can listen more than lecture, he might chip away at the distrust from his last visit.

Risky political gamble afoot

The governor’s South Carolina swing is a gamble, balancing genuine need with naked ambition. While disaster relief is a universal concern, his progressive brand could clash with the state’s conservative leanings. Voters here don’t take kindly to outsiders with agendas.

Newsom’s 2024 visit showed he has work to do. The lukewarm reception then suggests he’s not an instant hit with South Carolina’s heartland. He’ll need more than charm to win over skeptics who see him as California’s woke warrior.

For now, Newsom’s trip is a footnote in a long 2028 race. But in South Carolina, where Black voters and early primaries hold sway, every handshake counts. Conservatives will watch closely, ready to call out any whiff of pandering from this West Coast contender.