California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday launched a ground attack on Golden State in Florida, launching an announcement urging Sunshine State residents fed up with Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis to pack his flip-flops and head west.
Newsom bought spots worth $ 105,000 that began airing on Fox News in Florida, prompting talk of a possible 2024 presidential candidacy, especially if Joe Biden chooses not to seek a second term.
The announcements also raised the temperature of the country’s fiercest government rivalry.
While the 30-second site doesn’t mention DeSantis by name, Newsom points to several of the Florida Conservative’s iconic legislative accomplishments.
“It’s Independence Day,” Newsom tells the camera as he wears a white shirt and stands in a landscaped backyard. “So let’s talk about what’s happening in America.”
The announcement then cuts to an ominously distorted image of DeSantis – himself a potential 2024 White House candidate – and former President Donald Trump.
“Freedom is under attack on your state,” Newsom says. “Republican leaders: They are banning books. Making voting difficult. Restricting speech in classrooms. Even criminalizing women and doctors.”
The California governor was referring to Florida’s ban on critical race theory in classrooms, a ban on instruction related to sexual orientation and gender identity for children in kindergarten through fourth grade, and a ban. state abortion for 15 weeks.
On an image of a pristine beach in California, Newsom encourages Floridians to help him fight the GOP, and even consider moving to his state.
“I urge everyone living in Florida to join the fight,” Newsom says. “Or join us in California, where we still believe in freedom.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom launched an instant advertising campaign for Florida residents to leave. YouTube / Gavin Newsom
DeSantis’ aides lost little time in returning fire.
Florida Department of Health spokesman Jeremy Redfern tweeted a sordid quartet of images showing several homeless camps in California and a beach full of garbage.
“Shouldn’t you worry about California?” He wrote.
DeSantis ’re-election campaign also mocked Newsom’s relocation attempt.
Governor Gavin Newsom encourages Floridians to help him fight the GOP, and even to consider moving to his state. YouTube / Gavin Newsom
“Gavin Newsom could also ignite a lot of cash in flames,” campaign spokesman Dave Abrams said in a statement. “He passes the popcorn for his desperate attempt to retrieve the California refugees who fled the infernal hole he created in his state to come to Florida.”
Newsom has intensified its attacks on DeSantis and the GOP in recent months, positioning itself as a cultural battlefield general.
“I’m not looking for inspiration from this particular governor,” Newsom told his Florida counterpart in March as he despised his open way as a theater.
DeSantis has been just as vigorous in denouncing Newsom and its California intent.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has stepped up his attacks on DeSantis and the GOP in recent months.
“Yes, there are a lot of Californians who like what we’re doing coming up, but even those who oppose Florida tend to find their way here,” DeSantis told Fox News in March.
Both men face gubernatorial re-election votes in November and have rejected speculation about their presidential aspirations.
The California Department of Finance reported in May that the state’s population fell by 117,552 in 2021 after a larger decline of 182,083 in 2020. Meanwhile, census data show that Florida’s population grew in 211,000 between July 2020 and July 2021.