- The Washington Times - Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis knocked fellow candidate Nikki Haley at a GOP debate Wednesday night by comparing her to Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

“You know, I debated the governor of California, Gavin Newsom,” he said at Drake University in Iowa. “I thought he lied a lot. Man, Nikki Haley gives him a run for his money and she may be more liberal than Gavin Newsom.”

The Florida governor debated Mr. Newsom in an event moderated by Fox News’ Sean Hannity in November.

Mr. DeSantis and Ms. Haley, former South Carolina governor, were the only candidates to participate in the GOP debate hosted by CNN Wednesday night. Former President Donald Trump qualified but did not show, opting instead for a town hall at the same time hosted by Fox News, also in Iowa.

• Mallory Wilson can be reached at mwilson@washingtontimes.com.

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