Gavin Newsom brings memoir tour, and national political buzz, to Rock Hill
California Gov. Gavin Newsom mixed stories from his new memoir with criticism of President Donald Trump during a Rock Hill book tour stop Monday night.
Newsom appeared at McGirt Auditorium for a ticketed event tied to his new memoir – “Young Man in a Hurry” – that was part book promotion, part political conversation. The appearance, moderated by former Democratic National Committee chair Jaime Harrison, blended personal storytelling with pointed criticism of Republicans and warnings about the stakes of upcoming elections.
The visit marked Newsom’s latest stop on a multi-state tour that has drawn national attention. Politico previously described the appearances as a “red-state reading tour,” noting that Newsom’s advisers said the choice of locations was intentional. South Carolina, which holds an early and often pivotal Democratic presidential primary, has become a regular destination for nationally prominent Democrats testing messages and visibility.
Newsom, a Democrat who has served as California’s governor since 2019 and is term-limited in 2027, framed his remarks around themes from his book but frequently pivoted to national politics.
“We may lose our country,” Newsom told the audience at one point, arguing Democrats must be “stronger as a party, more disciplined, more aggressive,” heading into the 2026 midterm elections.
Harrison compared the current political climate to the Democratic wave election of 2006 and former President Barack Obama’s election in 2008.
In 2006, Democrats regained control of Congress, along with other key victories in states across the nation.
“There’s a wave building in this midterm election,” Harrison said. “2026 is an echo of 2006.”
But even as the conversation focused primarily on midterms, the 2028 presidential race surfaced repeatedly. At several points, audience members shouted encouragement for Newsom to run, drawing laughter and applause.
After the event, attendees said the possibility of a presidential bid was one reason they came.
“I really hope he runs,” said Tanzella Gaither, a Rock Hill resident attending her first Newsom event. “California is one of our most populated states, so I think he could replicate that on a national level.”
Willie Johnson, another Rock Hill resident who said she hopes Newsom runs for president, described him as “human,” and empathetic during the event.
Newsom’s Rock Hill appearance came as Democrats continue working to build momentum in South Carolina and nationally ahead of the 2026 midterms. Harrison urged attendees to recruit candidates for down-ballot races, warning against leaving Republicans unchallenged.
“We take back the House, we take back the Senate, we set up for winning back the White House in 2028,” Harrison said. “But we need your help… there should not be one seat in South Carolina where we have a Republican running that there is not a Democrat.”
Newsom echoed that sense of urgency, arguing that democratic institutions and voting rights were under pressure.
“This is happening in real time on our watch,” he said. “Do something different. Call this out. Fight fire with fire.”
While much of the discussion centered on politics, Newsom also spoke at length about his upbringing, early days in office, and his relationship with his parents, particularly his mother, whose death he described with emotional detail.
The governor’s tour has not been without controversy. At a recent stop in Atlanta, remarks Newsom made about his SAT score have drawn backlash from Republicans including Sean Hannity and Nicki Minaj.
At the stop he told the audience, “I’m not trying to impress you. I’m just trying to impress upon you I’m like you. I’m no better than you. I’m a 960 SAT guy.” Republicans have said the comment was patronizing toward audience members in a city with one of the nation’s highest Black populations.
The comment, and Newsom’s response to Hannity on X, were not brought up at the Rock Hill event. Still, Harrison did joke about Newsom’s tendency to be vocal in his criticisms of Trump and Republicans.
Towards the end of the event, Harrison acknowledged the speculation about a presidential run directly.
“We’d love to know whether or not you’re interested,” he said.
Newsome sidestepped the question.
“Read the book,” he replied, smiling.
