A growing rivalry between Govs. Gavin Newsom (D) and Ron DeSantis (R) has culminated into an unusual debate Thursday, where the political stars face high stakes heading into 2024 and beyond.
Fox host Sean Hannity will moderate the “Great Red vs. Blue State Debate,” which will air at 9 p.m. ET on Fox.
Here’s how to watch.
Newsom originally challenged DeSantis to a debate in September 2022, after DeSantis chartered two flights of migrants from Florida to Martha’s Vineyard, Mass. DeSantis was met with backlash over the move, the first of several rounds of migrants his administration sent to other places throughout the country.
Newsom and DeSantis eventually agreed to terms of the debate that will run for 90 minutes. Fox has said that the debate will highlight issues in each state, including the economy, the U.S.-Mexico border, immigration, crime and inflation. It will take place without a studio audience.
The debate offers a national spotlight for the two governors, who are increasingly seen as leaders of their respective parties.
DeSantis is in the midst of running for the Republican nomination in 2024. He is often placing second in national polls and in Iowa, but the gap between him and former President Trump has only expanded over the months. He is also trying to fend off a rising Nikki Haley, a former United Nations ambassador.
As the only Republican standing on stage with Newsom, the debate could be the prime chance for DeSantis to present himself as a leader of the conservative movement and praise Florida as a haven for freedom.
Newsom will meanwhile make the argument for California is the true state for freedom. He released ads that aired in Florida last year calling on those who “still believe in freedom, freedom of speech, freedom to choose, freedom from hate and the freedom to love” to relocate to California.
Newsom has also sparked rumors about his presidential ambitions with his increasingly prominent national profile, slamming DeSantis and other governors for policies they’ve enacted and serving as a surrogate for President Biden’s 2024 reelection bid. The governor has ruled out running in the Democratic primary for 2024, but his performance could signal any longer-term aspirations.
