Pete Buttigieg returned to South Carolina this weekend as he considers a second presidential campaign, aiming to reintroduce himself to the state and particularly to Black voters, a key demographic he did not win in his 2020 bid for the White House.
During his visit, Buttigieg received a standing ovation at a Black church in Orangeburg for his role as President Joe Biden’s transportation secretary, which facilitated millions of federal dollars for a local project. He also earned applause for a speech outlining his vision for the country's future, warning of a nation in "big trouble."
"There is no such thing as again in real life. The only way out is through," Buttigieg told attendees at an NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner. "If we recognize and embrace a future that is different from the past, we will do better."
The reception marked a contrast to his 2020 campaign, where a fourth-place finish in South Carolina’s primary effectively ended his presidential run and highlighted his difficulties connecting with Black voters. As the state is slated to hold the first Democratic presidential primary in 2028, its influence on Buttigieg's potential political future is expected to be significant.
The decision to place South Carolina at the start of the election calendar is intended to give Black voters a more prominent voice early in the nominating process. For Buttigieg and other potential contenders, securing the support of this group, which constitutes a majority of South Carolina's Democratic electorate, is considered crucial.
"You need to demonstrate that you can win Black voters," said Jaime Harrison, former chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party and the Democratic National Committee. "If you can’t win Black voters, you can’t be the nominee of our party."
Buttigieg stated he has not made a final decision about running for president again, telling reporters, "Right now, I’m totally focused on 2026." However, his trip to South Carolina, following a visit to Nevada the previous week, exhibited characteristics of a potential presidential campaign. On Friday, he participated in a fundraising event in Charleston and on Saturday morning, he spoke at a policy conference before visiting Claflin University, a historically Black university in Orangeburg.
Davina Perry, a student at Claflin, expressed that Buttigieg's visit placed him on her radar for 2028, although she also noted a desire for more representation from candidates who share her background. Orangeburg Mayor Michael Butler highlighted a $22.7 million federal grant for a downtown revitalization project, known as Railroad Corner, for which Buttigieg was responsible, calling it a significant local achievement.
In his speech, Buttigieg addressed the nation's direction, suggesting that economic challenges cannot be separated from a political system he described as increasingly fractured. "I have come to believe that the kitchen table cannot be improved unless we are also reforming the institutional and political floor on which that kitchen table sits," he stated.
For Buttigieg, the weekend provided indications of progress since his 2020 campaign. He pointed to his accomplishments during four years in Biden's Cabinet, including specific projects within South Carolina. Butler described Buttigieg's speech as hopeful, resonating with concerns about America's future.
South Carolina Democratic leaders view such direct engagement as vital, envisioning a retail politics approach similar to Iowa and New Hampshire. "You got to go listen. You got to go all over the place," Harrison said. "You have to make meaningful investments. That’s how you win South Carolina."
Buttigieg is not the only potential 2028 candidate visiting the state. Other figures such as California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna, and U.S. Sen. Cory Booker have also made trips. Former Vice President Kamala Harris maintains established ties in the state.
The state's electorate has evolved since 2020, when Biden's victory there revitalized his campaign. The political landscape has shifted, with concerns about the weakening of voting rights and the potential impact on Black political representation in the South.
Buttigieg directly addressed anxieties about voting rights, describing efforts to undermine the Voting Rights Act as part of a broader push to diminish African American political power. Harrison acknowledged Buttigieg's trip as a "good start" but emphasized the need for sustained engagement from all potential candidates to earn the trust of South Carolina voters.