Pete Buttigieg returns to South Carolina to court Black voters ahead of potential 2028 presidential bid
Pete Buttigieg returned to South Carolina this weekend to reintroduce himself to the state's large Black electorate, which now holds significant influence as the first stop in the 2028 Democratic presidential primary. During his visit, Pete Buttigieg received a standing ovation at an NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner in Orangeburg, where he was credited for securing federal funding for local infrastructure projects. While Pete Buttigieg stated he remains focused on the 2026 midterms, his trip included a keynote speech at the Spratt Issues Conference in Florence, where he advocated for policies that strengthen local economies and address rural hospital closures. He also held a roundtable discussion at Claflin University, where he discussed reparations for slavery and the impact of urban planning on Black neighborhoods. The visit marks a significant shift from his 2020 campaign, where he struggled to connect with Black voters. By highlighting his record as transportation secretary, Pete Buttigieg aims to demonstrate his ability to work on the federal level while building a foundation for a future White House run.