Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) and California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) have been involved in a long-running rivalry, with both men accusing the other of running an oppressive government.
As both are speculated to be launching a 2024 presidential campaign, Newsom is now slamming DeSantis over his conservative school appointments.
While speaking at the Betty Johnson North Sarasota Public Library, Newsom criticized DeSantis, arguing that he is undertaking a takeover of the New College of Florida by appointing conservative trustees.
"I'm crawling out of my skin for you guys," Newsom said. "I want you to know you're not alone. You matter, we care. This is why I'm here. I'm not your governor. But I'm a member of the larger community all bound together," he expressed.
Newsom cited DeSantis' decision in January to appoint 6 conservatives to the New College board of trustees, asking them to remake the state's public liberal arts honors college.
Weeks ago, DeSantis spoke at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. He criticized Newsom's own handling of California during the pandemic as well as criticizing education in the state.
Both DeSantis and Newsom have called each other "authoritarian." In the recent launch of Campaign for Democracy, Newsom reiterated this by calling "authoritarian leaders" like DeSantis the number 1 threat that the country faces.
In visiting Florida, Newsom continues his journey to travel to "red states" to highlight how their democracies are under attack. In contrast, DeSantis has been visiting states like New York, touting the accomplishments of Florida.
The 2024 presidential race continues to expand as Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. (D) has announced that he will be running for president. Newsom has not announced that he will run, but political pundits speculate his potential announcement as Democrats struggle to support President Joe Biden (D) with another run at the White House.
"Weakness, Ron DeSantis - weakness masquerading as strength, so I want you to know you're on the right side of history. You have something he'll never have: moral authority," Newsom told the attendees.
