SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gov. Gavin Newsom is running for reelection in California, but his latest television ad is airing in Florida.
The 30-second spot scheduled to air on Fox News starting Monday takes shots at Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and his policies, while drawing a contrast with California.
“Freedom, it’s under attack in your state. Republican leaders, they’re banning books, making it harder to vote, restricting speech in classrooms, even criminalizing women and doctors,” Newsom says while images of DeSantis and former President Donald Trump flash on screen.
“I urge all of you living in Florida to join the fight. Or join us in California, where we still believe in freedom - freedom of speech, freedom to choose, freedom from hate and the freedom to love,” Newsom says.
We’re about to celebrate Independence Day — but Freedom is under attack by Republican leaders in states like Florida.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) July 3, 2022
Banning books.
Restricting speech.
Making it harder to vote.
Criminalizing women and doctors.
It’s time to stand up. Don’t let them take your freedom. pic.twitter.com/cFI5UzgZzX
Newsom has said he has no interest in running for president, but the ad is sure to stoke speculation that the 54-year-old Democrat is eyeing national office. DeSantis is a potential 2024 GOP candidate for the White House.
Newsom handily beat back a recall attempt last year and is expected to cruise to reelection in November.
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