Local determinations of the Hubble constant $H_0$ favor a higher value than Planck based on cosmic microwave background and $\mathrm{\Lambda }$ cold dark matter ($\mathrm{\Lambda }\mathrm{CDM}$). Through a model-independent expansion, we show that low redshift ($z\lesssim 0.7$) data comprising baryon acoustic oscillations, cosmic chronometers, and Type Ia supernovae have a preference for quintessence models that lower $H_0$ relative to $\mathrm{\Lambda }\mathrm{CDM}$. In addition, we confirm that an exponential coupling to dark matter cannot alter this conclusion in the same redshift range. Our results leave open the possibility that a coupling in the matter-dominated epoch, potentially even in the dark ages, may yet save $H_0$ from sinking in the string theory swampland.

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• Cosmology
• Dark energy
• Dark matter
• Quantum cosmology