The 30-second spot scheduled to air on Fox News starting Monday takes shots at Florida Gov. Ron DeSandis and his policies while contrasting California. “Freedom, your state is under attack. Republican leaders, they’re banning books, making it harder to vote, restricting speech in classrooms, even criminalizing women and doctors,” Newsom says as images of DeSantis and former President Donald Trump flash across the screen. “I encourage all of you who live in Florida to join the fight. Or join us in California, where we still believe in freedom – freedom of speech, freedom of choice, freedom from hate and freedom to love,” Newsom says. Newsom has said he is not interested in running for president, but the ad is sure to fuel speculation that the 54-year-old Democrat is eyeing national office. DeSantis is a possible 2024 GOP candidate for the White House. Newsom easily defeated a recall effort last year and is up for re-election in November.
