The 2028 presidential election may still be more than two years away — but the battle for the Democratic nomination is already heating up.
Gavin Newsom's communications director, Izzy Gardon, sparked a backlash after taking a pointed swipe at former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg over his return to South Carolina.
Buttigieg's communications director, Aida Ross, posted a photo of Buttigieg during a visit to Orangeburg, South Carolina. 'Pete returned to Orangeburg, SC! Great night with the Orangeburg Branch of the NAACP,' Ross wrote.
Gardon was quick to respond.
'First time in SC in 3 years? Nice!' he sarcastically said.
The jab immediately drew criticism from some users, with several questioning why Newsom's team would take aim at another potential Democratic presidential contender so early in the 2028 cycle.
Democratic strategist Jennifer Holdsworth, who previously worked for Buttigieg, wrote, 'Staffers of potential 2028ers who denigrate other potential 2028ers at this juncture should be embarrassed. They reflect extremely poorly on their principals.'
Former Buttigieg staffer Stefan Smith wrote, 'Potential 2028 staffers, huddle up: you do not want to start the fighting now or on this platform. It's too early in the cycle. The longer we play nice (and encourage the principals to play nice) the better it is for everyone.'
Former Transportation Secretary and possible 2028 Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg with the Orangeburg Branch of the NAACP in South Carolina
Izzy Gardon helped transform the California governor's social-media operation into a highly aggressive political messaging machine, using shock-value tactics, ALL-CAPS taunts meant to mimic the president
According to the RealClearPolitics figures, Harris is at 37.4 percent, followed by Newsom at 16.4 percent, Buttigieg at 11.6 percent and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at 9.4 percent
And one user wrote, 'Yo. This isn't the way, my guy. This makes me think less of your boss… if this is what he wants to do at this stage of the game it doesn't bode well for the next year. Negative points to Newsom.'
The episode has once again put the spotlight on Gardon, the communications strategist who has played a prominent role in shaping Newsom's increasingly combative online persona.
Gardon helped transform the California governor's social-media operation into a highly aggressive political messaging machine, using shock-value tactics, ALL-CAPS taunts meant to mimic the president, memes, nicknames and rapid-fire attacks designed to provoke reactions.
But Gardon was quick to make clear that the comment was his own and not a statement from Newsom.
He told the Daily Mail that the comment had been made from his personal account and stressed that it was not an official statement from the governor's office.
'It was simply my own observation — not a comment on behalf of anyone else,' Gardon said.
Buttigieg's visit to South Carolina is significant because the state holds the first-in-the-South Democratic primary, making it a crucial early test for presidential hopefuls and a key opportunity to build support among Black voters.
His 2020 presidential campaign struggled to attract support from Black Democrats.
His return comes as a growing number of potential Democratic contenders begin laying the groundwork for another presidential race.
Buttigieg, who mounted a historic presidential campaign in 2020 before serving as President Joe Biden's Transportation Secretary, has recently indicated that he is 'more inclined than not' to run for president again.
Newsom, meanwhile, has repeatedly been mentioned as one of the party's potential 2028 contenders.
The governor has built a national political profile through his battles with Trump, his fundraising network and his aggressive media operation — all of which have fueled speculation about his ambitions.
Despite the jockeying among potential candidates, Vice President Kamala Harris remains the leading Democrat in the latest RealClearPolitics poll, with Gavin Newsom and Pete Buttigieg also among names receiving significant attention.
According to the RealClearPolitics figures, Harris is at 37.4 percent, followed by Newsom at 16.4 percent, Buttigieg at 11.6 percent and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at 9.4 percent.
Those numbers are only an early snapshot of a contest that is still far from taking shape.
