Pete Buttigieg returns to South Carolina, seeking to reconnect with Black voters

Pete Buttigieg returned to South Carolina this weekend, a state that marked a pivotal moment in his 2020 presidential bid. His previous fourth-place finish in the state's primary effectively ended his campaign and highlighted his difficulties in connecting with Black voters. Now, as he mulls a second run for the White House, Buttigieg aimed to reintroduce himself to the state's crucial Black electorate.

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There is no such thing as again in real life. The only way out is through.

The reception this time was markedly different. At an NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner in Orangeburg, Buttigieg received a standing ovation for his work as President Joe Biden's transportation secretary, credited with securing millions in federal dollars for local projects. He also earned applause for a speech warning of national challenges and outlining his vision for the future, stating, "There is no such thing as again in real life. The only way out is through."

South Carolina is expected to play an even more significant role in the 2028 Democratic presidential primary, with the state slated to be the first contest. This positioning is intended to give Black voters a greater voice early in the nominating process. For potential candidates like Buttigieg, winning the support of this demographic, which forms a majority of the state's Democratic electorate, is essential. "You need to demonstrate that you can win Black voters," said Jaime Harrison, former chair of the Democratic National Committee and the South Carolina Democratic Party. "If you can't win Black voters, you can't be the nominee of our party."

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You need to demonstrate that you can win Black voters. If you can't win Black voters, you can't be the nominee of our party.

While Buttigieg insists he has not made a final decision about running again, his South Carolina trip, following a visit to Nevada, bore the hallmarks of a potential presidential campaign. He engaged in fundraising events, spoke at a policy conference, and visited Claflin University, a historically Black university. A third-year student at Claflin, Davina Perry, expressed optimism, calling him a "good candidate" after his visit.

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Secretary Pete has definitely