California Gov. Gavin Newsom launches his “Take It Back” tour next week, a four-day swing through Alabama, South Carolina, and North Carolina beginning Wednesday, September 2, as he continues building his national political profile and supporting Democrats in red states ahead of the 2026 midterms.
The tour marks his seventh trip to the South in three years and centers on voting rights, civil rights, and organizing in competitive state House races. Newsom announced the initiative in a statement saying, “Our rights, our freedoms, and our power are on the line,” framing the tour as a counter to Trump administration policies like the president’s plan to limit mail-in ballots.
In South Carolina, the first presidential primary state on the Democratic nominating calendar, Newsom will visit six counties that President Donald Trump carried in 2024. His agenda includes appearing at Allen University alongside state Rep. Jermaine Johnson, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate in the deep-red state, and meeting with voters and local leaders across more than 10 counties in the three-state region.
In Alabama, Newsom is expected to appear with Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed and hold a town hall with community leaders. He will also walk the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, linking voting rights activism to the civil rights movement’s historical struggle.
Newsom’s southern organizing efforts reflect a broader strategy to strengthen Democratic infrastructure in regions where the party has historically underinvested. His small-donor email list has raised $15.2 million for Democratic candidates and state parties nationwide, with more than $2.2 million directed to Democratic candidates in competitive races, according to Washington Examiner reporting.
The California governor has spent years using his fundraising apparatus to boost Democrats outside California, casting the effort as a strategy to go on offense in regions where Republicans have dominated. During a previous South Carolina visit, U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn referred to Newsom as “one of these candidates that are running for president,” adding that he felt “good about his chances.” Newsom has confirmed he is considering a 2028 presidential run but has not formally declared his candidacy.
The timing of this tour comes just days after California lawmakers conclude their final legislative session under Newsom, who is term-limited and cannot seek re-election as governor in 2026. His national travel and political organizing have accelerated as his time in Sacramento winds down, positioning him as a potential contender in the nascent 2028 Democratic primary field.
Sources
- Politico — Newsom’s four-day southern tour, South Carolina visit details, and Clyburn’s comments on his presidential prospects.
- Washington Examiner — Newsom’s seven trips to the South in three years, fundraising figures ($15.2 million raised via small-donor email list, $2.2 million to Democratic candidates), and his role building national political profile.
- Axios — Newsom’s fundraising for state parties ($1.7 million through the two-year cycle).
- KCRA and ABC10 — Tour dates, “Take It Back” tour name, and agenda details including Allen University appearance and civil rights trail visit.
- The Hill and Rocket City Now — Tour focus on voting rights in Republican strongholds and Newsom’s statement on rights and freedoms.
