The early stages of the 2028 presidential election cycle are showing signs of contention, as a communications director for California Governor Gavin Newsom engaged in a public exchange with an aide to former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
Izzy Gardon, Newsom's communications director, posted a sarcastic remark on social media in response to a photo of Buttigieg visiting Orangeburg, South Carolina. Buttigieg's communications director, Aida Ross, had shared the photo with the caption, "Pete returned to Orangeburg, SC! Great night with the Orangeburg Branch of the NAACP." Gardon responded, "First time in SC in 3 years? Nice!"
The comment quickly drew criticism from various users and Democratic strategists who questioned the timing and tone of the remark, especially given the early stage of the potential 2028 presidential race. Jennifer Holdsworth, a Democratic strategist who previously worked for Buttigieg, stated that "Staffers of potential 2028ers who denigrate other potential 2028ers at this juncture should be embarrassed. They reflect extremely poorly on their principals." Another former Buttigieg staffer, Stefan Smith, advised against initiating such conflicts early in the cycle, suggesting that "The longer we play nice... the better it is for everyone."
Gardon, who has been instrumental in shaping Newsom's aggressive online communication style, later clarified that his comment was a personal observation and not an official statement from Newsom's office or on behalf of the governor. He reportedly told the Daily Mail that the remark was made from his personal account.
Buttigieg's visit to South Carolina holds particular significance as the state hosts the first-in-the-South Democratic primary, a critical early contest for presidential hopefuls. Buttigieg's 2020 presidential campaign had faced challenges in gaining traction among Black Democrats, making his engagement in South Carolina a notable effort.
Both Newsom and Buttigieg are frequently discussed as potential contenders for the Democratic nomination in 2028. Buttigieg has recently suggested he is "more inclined than not" to run for president again. Newsom has cultivated a national profile through his political actions and media presence, fueling speculation about his presidential ambitions.
Despite the nascent jockeying among potential candidates, Vice President Kamala Harris currently leads in hypothetical 2028 Democratic primary polling. According to RealClearPolitics figures, Harris holds 37.4% support, followed by Newsom at 16.4%, Buttigieg at 11.6%, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at 9.4%. These figures represent an early snapshot of a contest that is still far from being decided.