Sunshine states in spat as America’s presidential race heats up

A row has flared as two governors representing opposite ends of the political spectrum prepare to run for the White House.

Many observers have concluded California Governor, Democrat Gavin Newsom, 54, is preparing for a presidential run in 2024 and he has recently made comments on gun control and abortion. Picture: AP/Bloomberg via Getty Images

A row has erupted between America’s two sunshine states as their governors, representing opposite ends of the political spectrum, prepare to run for the White House.

Gavin Newsom, a California Democrat, struck first last month with a clip that aired in Florida depicting Ron DeSantis as an extremist who was crushing freedom in the state he governs with policies on school curriculums, voting rights and abortion.

Florida Republicans hit back with a sarcastic advert of their own. The narrator, impersonating Newsom, invites viewers to visit San Francisco – Newsom’s home city where he was once mayor – while showing images of filthy streets.

“If you’re lucky, you might step on a syringe,” the narrator says. The city has a dire homelessness problem. Or, the narrator says, visit Los Angeles, “where gas is so expensive, your kids only need to skip a meal or two or ten to afford it”.

The advert concludes with images of Newsom attending the Super Bowl this year where he was criticised for taking pictures with celebrities without wearing a mask, despite local regulations making them mandatory.

“Come to California, where freedom means lockdowns for you, while I go to the places you can’t afford,” the narrator says. “Don’t let them take your freedom. Come to California, where we’ll take it, along with your money.”

Vote the R, a Republican political action committee, said it was paying $US25,000 ($35,900) to run the adverts in California. In a jibe at the number of people who have left the state in recent years because of the cost of living, the group said it “wants the people of California, who have not yet fled to Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Texas, or Florida to know that freedom-loving Americans stand with them”.

There is growing Republican support for a presidential run from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis but he would probably have to take on Donald Trump, 76. Picture: Getty Images/AFP

Newsom, 54, has made forays on to the national stage in recent months with comments on gun control and abortion. Many observers have concluded he is preparing for a presidential run in 2024 should President Biden, 79, decide not to stand again amid concerns over his age and poor ratings.

DeSantis, 43, has won plaudits from conservatives for his policies in Florida after pursuing a relaxed approach to the pandemic and tackling issues such as the teaching of critical race theory in schools.

There is growing support for a presidential run, though he would probably have to take on Donald Trump, 76, who retains formidable backing from the Republican base.

The Times