“Hello [Gov. Ron DeSantis], you are clearly struggling, distracted and busy playing politics with people’s lives,” Newsom said in a tweet. “Since you only have one primary need – attention – let’s take it up and talk about it. I’ll bring my hair gel. You bring your hairspray. Name the time before Election Day.”
Newsom and DeSantis are both running for re-election this year, and DeSantis is considered a leading GOP presidential candidate in 2024. Speculation has also swirled about Newsom running for the Democratic nomination amid doubts that President Biden will run for a second term.
Both governors have also stepped up efforts to enact policies in line with their respective party’s priorities and platforms. Newsom has taken a tough stance on abortion rights and on Thursday launched a campaign in seven Republican-led states with some of the strictest abortion laws.
Billboards advertise access to abortion in California. He also previously ran ads in Florida criticizing DeSantis and encouraging Floridians to move to California.
DeSantis, a staunch supporter of former President Trump and his immigration policies, chartered two planes of immigrants from San Antonio, Texas, who landed on Martha’s Vineyard, a common vacation destination for wealthy New Englanders.
DeSantis and other GOP governors of southern border states, including Govs. Greg Abbott (Texas) and Doug Ducey (Ariz.) have taken migrants who have crossed the southern border into the US across state lines in Democratic-led states and cities.
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Democrats, including Newsom, are furious about the move. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D), a top progressive, criticized DeSantis on Thursday, accusing the governor of chartering the flights as part of a political stunt.
Newsom’s tweet on Friday came in response to a separate post by veteran journalist Dan Rather last month in which he suggested the new CNN chief should set up a debate between the two governors.
“Two governors of big states, potential presidential candidates,” said the rather, “Prime time. The ratings I bet would be huge. Who would have the courage to show up?’
