WASHINGTON — In recent weeks, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and California Gov. Gavin Newsom have been trading increasing barbs on issues of immigration, education and culture.
On Thursday, DeSantis, who is running for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, mocked Newsom, asking why he won’t be running in the race himself.
“He has a really serious fixation on the state of Florida,” DeSantis said of Newsom during a news conference to sign the state budget. «I mean, I think it’s weird that he would do that. What I would say to him is, you know what, stop beating around the bush.»
«Are you going to throw your hat in the ring and challenge Joe? Are you going to come in and do it? Or are you just going to stand on the sidelines?» he said.
After the press event, the DeSantis campaign tweeted who is selling t-shirts emblazoned with the words: «STOP GOING THROUGH ALL THE PUSSYFOOTING.»
Newsom did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
DeSantis’ recent decision to bring immigrants from Texas to Sacramento has further fueled their rivalry. This month, Newsom said he believed a crime had been committed and directed the state of California to launch an investigation into the actions of the DeSantis administration.
“Now, who is ultimately responsible? I mean, the responsibility should end with Ron DeSantis and the games that he’s playing,” Newsom said. “But it’s the people on the front lines who were doing the dirty work. And that is ultimately what we have to determine, is where the guilt lands and lies.”
Newsom also threatened DeSantis with kidnapping charges over the migrant flights and called him a «pathetic little man.»
Newsom, who has served as Governor of California since 2019, ruled out a run for the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination last year, before Biden announced his re-election campaign.
In an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity that aired Monday, Newsom again shut down any speculation that he will jump to the 2024 raceexpressing his support for Biden.
Only a few long shot contenders have entered the race to challenge Biden for the Democratic nomination, and none of those candidates are expected to defeat him.
juan filipelli contributed.