ORLANDO, Fla. — Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s $100,000 Fox News ad on Monday urging Floridians to “join the fight” against Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis “or join us in California” has drawn a muted response from state Democrats and dismissals from Republicans.
But it’s just the latest signal that as DeSantis’ national profile as a potential GOP presidential candidate increases, he can expect more attention from national Democrats and possible presidential opponents, whether in 2024 or 2028.
“It’s an acknowledgement that DeSantis is a serious political threat to the Democrats,” said Aubrey Jewett, a professor of political science at the University of Central Florida. “... It’s an acknowledgment from Newsom, and probably a lot of Democrats, that unless the political situation changes, DeSantis may be marching to reelection and then on towards the Republican nomination. And so the thought is, start attacking now. Don’t wait till it’s too late.”
