California Gov. Gavin Newsom embarked Tuesday on a two-day swing through rural South Carolina as the high-profile Democrat seeks to position himself as a leader for a party in rebuilding mode while simultaneously stoking fresh speculation about a potential 2028 presidential bid.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday launched a two-day tour of South Carolina, calling on voters across rural areas -- some tucked in GOP strongholds -- to exercise their "moral authority" in standing up to President Donald Trump and Republicans in next year's midterm elections.