SACRAMENTO, California (AP) – Gov. Gavin Newsom is running for re-election in California, but his latest television ad airs in Florida.
The 30-second spot scheduled for Fox News starting Monday takes photos of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and his policies, while contrasting with California.
“Freedom is under attack on your state. Republican leaders are banning books, making voting difficult, restricting speech in classrooms, even criminalizing women and doctors,” Newsom says as images of DeSantis and the former president Donald Trump flickers on the screen.
“I ask all of you who live in Florida to join the struggle. Or join us in California, where we still believe in freedom: freedom of speech, freedom of choice, freedom of speech. ‘Hate and the freedom to love,’ ”Newsom says.
Newsom has said he has no interest in running for president, but the announcement is sure to fuel speculation that the 54-year-old Democrat is looking at a national office. DeSantis is a potential GOP 2024 candidate for the White House.
Newsom easily overcame a revocation attempt last year and is expected to run for re-election in November.