Powerful Dem who called Kamala ‘my girl’ now says he ‘feels good’ about Newsom for president

Democratic South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn said Tuesday that he feels good about Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s 2028 prospects, Politico reported.

Clyburn, who was once the highest-ranking black member of Congress, referred to Newsom as one of “these candidates that are running for president,” during an event hosted by South Carolina’s Democratic Party, according to Politico. Clyburn’s comments come amid growing speculation that Newsom is gearing up to launch a bid for the White House in 2028.

“It’s no secret,” Clyburn told reporters after the event, Politico reported. “I feel good about his [Newsom’s] chances.”

Clyburn, who is viewed as a “kingmaker” in the Democratic Party, notably endorsed former President Joe Biden ahead of the 2020 South Carolina Democratic presidential primary, which proved to be instrumental in Biden winning the state’s Democratic primary and later securing the Democratic presidential nomination.

Newsom said during the event that he feels like he “could have done a bit extra” to help bolster former Vice President Kamala Harris’ failed 2024 White House campaign, according to Politico. Clyburn notably referred to Harris as “my girl” during a campaign rally in 2024.

Still, Newsom did not say whether he would support Harris if she launches a presidential bid again in 2028 or for California’s governor’s mansion in 2026, telling reporters that he is waiting to “see what decisions she makes,” according to the outlet.

“Let’s figure out which,” Newsom said, according to Politico. “We’ll see what decisions she makes.”

Harris is reportedly weighing whether to jump into California’s 2026 gubernatorial race to succeed Newsom, or run for president again in 2028. Though, recent reports have indicated that some Democrats feel unenthused about a potential Harris gubernatorial bid.

Clyburn’s office and Newsom’s office did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.

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