The competition for the Democratic Party’s 2028 presidential nomination is becoming more visible, as Izzy Gardon, communications director for California Governor Gavin Newsom, criticized fellow candidate Pete Buttigieg regarding his outreach to Black voters in South Carolina. Buttigieg's recent visit to South Carolina was highlighted by his representative, Aida Ross, who shared a photo of him with members of the Orangeburg branch of the NAACP. Gardon responded to Ross's post by noting Buttigieg's absence from South Carolina for three years.
This exchange has drawn attention as it highlights the competition between two prominent figures in the Democratic Party regarding Black voter engagement, a critical issue as South Carolina prepares for its first nominating contest. Additionally, tensions within the Democratic Party have surfaced, with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens accusing the DNC of neglecting Black voters after Atlanta was removed from consideration for the 2028 convention.
South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain emphasized the importance of the South in the party's future, while Democratic chairs from other southern states warned the DNC against taking Black voters for granted. Gardon clarified that his comments were made in a personal capacity and not on behalf of Governor Newsom. Responses from political strategists included criticism of the in-fighting among potential candidates' staffers, suggesting that such behavior could reflect poorly on their principals.