Pete Buttigieg returns to first-in-the-nation South Carolina with a fresh appeal to Black voters

Key Points:

• Pete Buttigieg returned to South Carolina, a key early primary state, aiming to strengthen support among Black voters who were critical in the 2028 nominating process but largely did not back him in 2020.
• During his visit, Buttigieg addressed issues like Republican-led redistricting efforts, reparations for slavery, and drew parallels between current political challenges and historic civil rights struggles in the state.
• Buttigieg highlighted his accomplishments as transportation secretary, including securing federal funding for projects benefiting historically Black communities, which has improved his standing with some Black voters compared to his previous presidential run.
• Despite praise for his federal experience and outreach, Buttigieg still faces challenges winning broad Black voter support in South Carolina, partly due to lingering concerns about his identity as a gay man in a socially conservative region.
• Buttigieg has not formally announced a 2028 presidential bid but is actively engaging with voters and endorsing candidates, signaling a strategic early start to his potential campaign.