Newsom avoids Georgia, and Ossoff, on southern tour

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The Hill's Headlines (PM) - September 1, 2026

The Hill's Headlines (PM) - September 1, 2026

When California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) kicks off a four-day swing through the South on Wednesday, one key state will be noticeably missing from his itinerary: Georgia. 

The state is home to one of the most pivotal Senate contests in November, where Sen. Jon Ossoff (D) is trying to win reelection. In the process of his midterm battle, Ossoff has seen his national profile rise along with chatter about his political prospects. 

Newsom, who is considering a White House bid and has been at the top of polls of 2028 contenders, has helped raise money for Ossoff. But he won’t be campaigning alongside Ossoff in the flesh, at least not during the latest swing on the California governor’s “Take it Back” tour. 

Instead, he is expected to appear in South Carolina, North Carolina and Alabama, where he’ll travel through 10 counties, his office said. 

Some Democrats say the travel schedule may suit both camps, allowing Ossoff to keep the focus on his reelection fight without the chatter of 2028 — and the horse race of who’s up and who’s down — stealing the oxygen.  

“If it’s Labor Day in your competitive Senate race, you definitely want the focus to be on you and what voters are worried about: paying for gas, food, and rent,” said Democratic strategist Eddie Vale. “So it’s good for the 2028ers to be conscious of that and........

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