Pete Buttigieg Returns to the State That Derailed His 2020 Bid

Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg returned to South Carolina this weekend, seeking to mend ties with the Black voters who played a pivotal role in ending his 2020 presidential campaign. His visit comes amid speculation about a potential 2028 presidential bid, with South Carolina positioned as the first state to hold Democratic primaries in the upcoming cycle. Buttigieg, who placed fourth in the 2020 South Carolina primary, received a warm reception during his recent appearances, including a standing ovation at an NAACP Freedom Fund dinner and a speech at a Black church in Orangeburg, a historically significant city in the civil rights movement. The former presidential candidate emphasized his efforts to reconnect with the community, particularly highlighting his work as transportation secretary under President Joe Biden. During a speech at the NAACP event, Buttigieg warned of a nation facing “big trouble” and outlined his vision for the future, stressing the importance of embracing a new path forward rather than repeating past mistakes. He acknowledged the challenges he faced in 2020, stating, “There is no such thing as again in real life. The only way out is through.” His message resonated with attendees, marking a contrast to the reception he once received in the state. South Carolina holds considerable influence in shaping the Democratic presidential race, especially given its large Black electorate. Jaime Harrison, a former Democratic National Committee chair and South Carolina Democratic Party chairman, underscored the significance of winning over Black voters, noting, “You need to demonstrate that you can win Black voters. If you can’t win Black voters, you can’t be the nominee of our party.” This sentiment reflects the broader strategy within the Democratic Party to prioritize outreach to minority communities, aiming to secure their support in the 2028 elections. While Buttigieg did not explicitly confirm his intentions to seek the presidency, his itinerary suggested otherwise. He recently visited Nevada, another early-voting state, and participated in fundraising events alongside U.S. House candidate Nancy Lacore. These activities align with typical campaign preparations, raising questions about his political ambitions. Despite the speculation, Buttigieg maintained that his focus remained on 2026, though his actions have drawn attention from observers and supporters alike. Local residents expressed optimism about Buttigieg’s potential candidacy. Davina Perry, a student at Claflin University, stated that Buttigieg had “definitely put himself on my radar for 2028 now.” She noted her desire for greater representation from individuals who share her background, indicating that Buttigieg’s outreach could resonate with younger voters. Orangeburg Mayor Michael Butler praised Buttigieg for his contributions to the city, specifically citing the Railroad Corner project, which brought substantial investment to the area. The Democratic National Committee has scheduled South Carolina as the first state to vote in the 2028 presidential primaries, following approval in August. This decision aims to ensure that Black and Latino voters, crucial to the party’s prospects, have a prominent role in selecting the nominee. The move is part of a broader effort to create a more inclusive and representative electoral process, reflecting the changing demographics of the United States. As Buttigieg continues to engage with key constituencies, the political landscape in South Carolina remains dynamic. With multiple potential candidates vying for the Democratic nomination, including former Vice President Kamala Harris, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the competition promises to be fierce. Polls indicate that Buttigieg, Ossoff, and Newsom are currently leading in public perception, suggesting that the race for the Democratic nomination could be highly competitive. The upcoming 2028 primaries will begin in South Carolina on January 22, followed by Nevada in early February. As the political season approaches, Buttigieg’s efforts to rebuild relationships with Black voters and establish his presence in the state will be closely watched. His ability to translate goodwill into electoral success will determine whether he emerges as a serious contender for the Democratic nomination.