California Governor Gavin Newsom has made it clear that he will not be running for president in 2024, but he doesn’t hold back when it comes to criticizing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is running. Newsom calls DeSantis “weak,” “undisciplined,” and predicts that he will be “crushed by Donald Trump.” DeSantis, on the other hand, likes to mock Newsom’s focus on Florida while claiming that the Democratic governor’s “leftist government” is destroying California.
This rivalry between the two term-limited governors represents a clash of ideological extremes and influences the national conversation surrounding the upcoming presidential primary season. Newsom expressed his disdain for DeSantis in a recent interview, coinciding with the Florida governor’s fundraising tour in California. While the confrontations between Newsom and DeSantis benefit their respective political bases, they also face challenges. Newsom has been plagued by questions about his presidential ambitions, while DeSantis tries to avoid direct conflict with Trump.
However, there may be a strategic advantage for both governors in this rivalry. As they engage in verbal sparring through press comments and social media, they gain points with their bases, raise funds, and expand their national profiles. Both men have launched fundraising appeals targeting each other by name.
Newsom, who will conclude his second term in 2026, has seen his national profile rise after successfully defeating a recall attempt and winning reelection last fall. He has a considerable amount of campaign funds and has established a Political Action Committee (PAC) called the Campaign for Democracy. The PAC aims to challenge Republican leaders in deep-red states that are not significant in the 2024 presidential race. Newsom has avoided battleground and key primary states, focusing instead on supporting Biden’s agenda.
Newsom’s strategists have maintained close contact with Biden and his top aides, indicating that his focus is on supporting the current president and not launching a shadow presidential campaign. However, some speculate that Newsom’s rivalry with DeSantis could be an early preview of the 2028 presidential contest.
DeSantis, at 44 years old, sees his engagement with Newsom as an opportunity to build his national brand and visibility, potentially positioning himself for future opportunities. The ongoing rivalry between the two governors benefits their core supporters, and both are seen as “frenemies.”
While many Democrats have doubts about Biden seeking a second term, Newsom has made it clear that he will not challenge the sitting president. DeSantis, on the other hand, has not made any public appearances during his fundraising tour in California, where he criticizes California’s “leftist government” and highlights Florida’s policies as an alternative.
Both governors have experienced success during their terms, buoyed by billion-dollar budget surpluses and partisan control of their state legislatures. Newsom has implemented progressive policies, expanding Medicaid, easing access to abortion, and proposing stricter gun control measures. DeSantis, on the other hand, has focused on cultural conservative issues and opposing woke culture.
Ultimately, this rivalry between Newsom and DeSantis serves as a platform for them to promote their agendas, raise funds, and appeal to their respective political bases. While Newsom remains committed to supporting Biden, and DeSantis tries to distance himself from direct confrontation with Trump, their clash will continue to shape the national conversation and potentially influence future presidential contests.
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