A public jab from a communications director for California Gov. Gavin Newsom at Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg over his recent visit to South Carolina has brought early attention to potential presidential aspirations within the Democratic Party for 2028. Newsom’s communications director, Izzy Gardon, responded to a post from Buttigieg’s representative, Aida Ross, which highlighted the former Transportation Secretary’s engagement with the Orangeburg branch of the NAACP.
Gardon’s comment on X, formerly Twitter, read, “First time in SC in 3 years? Nice!” Ross had previously shared a photo of Buttigieg with NAACP members, stating, “Pete returned to Orangeburg, SC! Great night with the Orangeburg Branch of the NAACP.”
The exchange drew attention as it involved two prominent figures often discussed as potential contenders for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination. South Carolina is slated to host the party's first nominating contest in the next election cycle, making outreach to Black voters in the state a strategic priority for aspiring candidates.
The interaction also occurs amid broader discussions within the Democratic Party regarding engagement with Black voters and the Southern states. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens recently accused the Democratic National Committee (DNC) of “abandoning the South” and “abandoning Black voters” after Atlanta was not selected to host the 2028 convention. Similarly, South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain has emphasized the importance of the South, stating, “the South is not the past, it is the future.” Chairs from five other Southern states had also previously cautioned the DNC against taking Black voters' loyalty for granted.
Gardon, when reached for comment, stated that his post was made from his personal account and in his personal capacity, calling it “simply my own observation” and clarifying that he was not speaking on behalf of the governor or anyone else.
The brief online spat prompted reactions from various political observers. Republican strategist Matt Whitlock commented, “Love to watch Gavin Newsom staffers dunk on Pete Buttigieg staffers as they all jostle to catch up to AOC in the 2028 Dem primaries.” Political polling executive Adam Carlson remarked, “We’re just dropping all pretenses huh.”
Democratic strategists also offered their views. Jennifer Holdsworth, a Democratic strategist, suggested that “Staffers of potential 2028ers who denigrate other potential 2028ers at this juncture should be embarrassed. They reflect extremely poorly on their principals.” Another Democratic consultant, Eric Koch, described the tweet as a “bad look.” Stefan Smith, Head of Digital Engagement at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), advised that “Potential 2028 staffers, huddle up: you do not want to start the fighting now or on this platform. It’s too early in the cycle. The longer we play nice (and encourage the principals to play nice) the better it is for everyone.”
