Buttigieg returns to South Carolina to court the Black voters who stalled his first White House run

Orangeburg, South Carolina (AP) — Pete Buttigieg returned to his home state on Saturday, aiming to reconnect with Black voters who played a key role in his unsuccessful 2020 presidential campaign. Six years earlier, his fourth-place finish in South Carolina effectively ended his bid for the White House and highlighted his struggle to win over Black voters.

This time, Buttigieg sought to reintroduce himself and showcase his accomplishments as President Joe Biden’s transportation secretary, including securing millions in federal funding for a project in the area. He received a standing ovation at a Black church in Orangeburg, where he outlined his vision for the future, emphasizing the need to break free from the status quo and embrace a different path forward.

The 2028 Democratic presidential primary in South Carolina is viewed as crucial, as the state's Democratic electorate is majority Black. Former Democratic National Committee chair Jaime Harrison stressed the importance of winning the support of Black voters for any candidate hoping to secure the party's nomination. Buttigieg's visit included raising funds for his re-election efforts and speaking at a policy conference, while also attending a dinner at a church in Orangeburg, a predominantly Black city with a rich Civil Rights Movement history.