Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore recently headlined events in South Carolina, speaking at a Friday night fish fry and a Democratic state convention, drawing attention as potential contenders for national office in the 2028 presidential cycle.
Newsmax reported that both governors took the opportunity to mingle with hundreds of party faithful in a state known for its pivotal role in Democratic primaries. South Carolina has historically been the first-in-the-South primary state, and last year, it kicked off the party’s entire nominating calendar.
At the fish fry, the crowd seemed eager to hear from Walz, who previously ran as the 2024 vice presidential nominee, and Moore, who reportedly received a warm and attentive reception. It’s no surprise—South Carolina Democrats know their state’s influence and are sizing up who might carry their banner next.
Walz didn’t hold back, declaring, “Maybe it's time for us to be a little meaner.” Well, that’s one way to rally a crowd, but toughness in politics often sounds better than it plays out when the cameras are off.
He doubled down, adding, “When it's a bully like Donald Trump, you bully the s—- out of him.” That’s a fiery line, but banking on confrontation over substance might not win over voters who crave solutions over showdowns.
Moore, meanwhile, pushed a different tone at the state convention, saying, “Gone are the days when the Democrats are the party of ‘no' and ‘slow.’”
It’s a catchy rebrand, but conservatives might argue Democrats have been saying ‘yes’ to plenty—often to policies that balloon budgets and overreach into personal lives.
He continued with, “Banning books about our history because they know if you know your history, you know your power.” It’s a pointed jab at conservative efforts to protect kids from divisive curricula, though many on the right would counter that it’s about age-appropriateness, not censorship.
Moore wrapped up with confidence, stating, “I know my power, and that is why I know every room that I'm in, I'm not there because of someone's benevolence.” Admirable self-assurance, but in a polarized climate, such rhetoric risks sounding like a rejection of unity over shared values.
He added, “I'm in that room because I belong there.” Fair enough, but belonging in a room doesn’t guarantee you’ll win the house when the votes are tallied.
South Carolina’s significance in all this can’t be overstated, as state party chair Christale Spain is gearing up to fight for maintaining the state’s top spot in the Democratic primary calendar for the next cycle. With national party organizations yet to finalize 2028 schedules, the competition is heating up.
Other states like Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nevada are also vying to host the first primary, making South Carolina’s position anything but guaranteed.
For Walz and Moore, cozying up to local Democrats now could pay dividends if the state holds its influential slot. It’s a calculated move, and in politics, timing is everything.
Both governors clearly see South Carolina as a launchpad, addressing hundreds of party members with messages tailored to energize the base. But conservatives might wonder if this early campaigning distracts from governing their own states—after all, constituents back home expect results, not roadshows.
Walz and Moore’s appearances signal a broader trend of ambitious Democrats testing the waters well before any official announcements.
From a right-of-center view, it’s a reminder that while progressive agendas may dominate these events, there’s still a wide swath of America craving common-sense policies over ideological posturing. Perhaps a fish fry isn’t just about the food—it’s about frying up some big plans for the future.