Buttigieg Visits South Carolina Amid 2028 Talk
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Pete Buttigieg, the former U.S. transportation secretary, has returned to South Carolina as he considers a possible presidential campaign in 2028.
South Carolina holds a first-in-the-nation position in the Democratic primary calendar, meaning it votes before most other states.
During his visit, Buttigieg made a fresh appeal to Black voters, who make up a large and influential part of the state's Democratic electorate.
Winning their support is seen as essential for any Democrat hoping to succeed in South Carolina's early primary.
Buttigieg is one of several Democrats being watched closely as the party looks toward the next presidential race.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is also considered a likely contender, and one of his aides has publicly mocked Buttigieg's trip to South Carolina.
This kind of exchange suggests that competition among possible 2028 candidates is already intensifying, even though the election is still years away.
Buttigieg previously ran for president in 2020 and later served in President Biden's administration, giving him national name recognition.
His visit signals that he is keeping his political options open and building relationships in a state that could shape the next Democratic primary.
Vocabulary6 words
- presidential campaign
- an effort to be elected president
- first-in-the-nation
- voting before all other states
- Black voters
- voters who are Black; important in this state
- primary
- an early election to choose a party's candidate
- contender
- someone who might compete for something, like president
- administration
- a president's team of leaders
Quiz
Answer key
1. First-in-the-nation 2. An aide to Gavin Newsom 3. True
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Pete Buttigieg, the former U.S. transportation secretary, has returned to _____ Carolina.
He is considering a possible presidential _____ in 2028.
South Carolina holds a _____ position in the Democratic primary calendar.
Buttigieg made a fresh appeal to _____ voters.
Winning their support is seen as essential for any Democrat in the early _____.
California Governor Gavin _____ is also considered a likely contender.
One of his aides has publicly _____ Buttigieg's trip.
Buttigieg previously ran for president in _____.
He later served in President Biden's _____.