DeSantis and Newsom will debate, with Sean Hannity moderating Topics will include inflation, crime, the economy, the border and more.
By Hannah Demissie, Will McDuffie, and Nicholas Kerr
December 1, 2023, 1:10 AM
2:14
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (L) and Florida Gov. Ron Desantis
Getty Images
Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom will debate one another on Thursday night in an event being billed as a clash of "red vs. blue state" -- and a test of rising stars in their respective parties.
After months of teasing it, DeSantis and Newsom will finally face off in the battleground state of Georgia for a 90-minute debate moderated by Fox News' Sean Hannity that starts at 9 p.m. EST.
Topics will include inflation, crime, the economy, the border and other "major issues impacting the country," according to the network. "The debate will examine the vastly different approaches the two governors have and offer insights into their political philosophies as well as ambitions for the nation."
The debate comes after months of planning and wrangling over the rules. It will amplify the ongoing rivalry between the governors of two of the country's largest states, who have gone after each other over the past couple of years.
MORE: DeSantis signs Florida's 6-week abortion ban into law
DeSantis has contended Newsom is responsible for a decline in California, explicitly calling out Newsom's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, public safety, the state's housing supply and homelessness.
Recent Stories from ABC News
PLAY Top Stories 00:36 Video Settings Full Screen About Connatix V389703 Writer John Nichols, author of 'The Milagro Beanfield War' with a social justice streak, dies at 83
Newsom has been no less fierce in criticizing DeSantis, initially challenging him to a debate over a year ago. In an interview with NBC News in September, Newsom said he believes DeSantis is "functionally authoritarian."
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (L) and Florida Gov. Ron Desantis
Getty Images
Newsom has upped his attacks against DeSantis leading up to the debate. Most recently, the Newsom-aligned super PAC, Campaign For Democracy, launched an ad assailing Florida's six-week abortion ban, which DeSantis signed into law.
In the ad narrated, by the California governor, Newsom said the abortion ban is "not freedom" but "DeSantis' Florida." DeSantis has defended the ban as "support[ing] life and family."
The debate performance of both governors will likely fuel further speculation about their political futures. DeSantis is running for the White House, but his initial strength in the primary polls has faded and he continues to trail former President Donald Trump by double digits.
Newsom has been floated as a potential presidential candidate in 2028, as he is termed limited from running for governor again.
Newsom has also been a vocal ally of President Joe Biden and acted as a campaign surrogate for him over the past few months, including participating in the spin room following the second GOP primary debate, providing the Democrats' response.
"Expect him to defend the President and use the opportunity to take on the misinformation machine at its headwaters," Nathan Click, a spokesperson for Newsom, told ABC News when asked what viewers should expect from the governor on the debate stage on Thursday.
Republican presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a Never Back Down campaign event, Nov. 21, 2023, in Keene, N.H.
Sophie Park/Reuters
As for DeSantis, his campaign views this debate as their most important one yet, hoping to "contrast" the Florida governor with Newsom, claiming he’s a possible replacement for Biden in the 2024 race, which Newsom has repeatedly dismissed.
"Ron DeSantis will take this responsibility seriously and looks forward to sharing the stark contrast between his vision to revive our nation and Newsom's blueprint for failure," DeSantis' campaign manager, James Uthmeier, told ABC News in a statement.
The Biden campaign said they welcomed Newsom's support "as he forcefully and effectively makes the president’s case," TJ Ducklo, a senior communication adviser on the Biden campaign, told ABC News in a statement.
"We look forward to him highlighting how Ron DeSantis' extremism and failures in Florida are part of a MAGA agenda we cannot allow back in the White House," Ducklo said.
Related Topics
Ron DeSantis Republican Primary Democratic Party
Promoted Links by Taboola Promoted Links by Taboola
CombatSiege
You will never turn off your computer again. No Install. Play for free.CombatSiege
Undo
マイワインクラブ
15年连続ワイン通贩売上高No.1。味良し、価格良しのワインセットマイワインクラブ
Undo
Adobe Acrobat/システナ
今だけ「Adobe CC キャンペーン」最大45％OFFAdobe Acrobat/システナ 続きを読む
Undo
DeSantis and Newsom will face off in news event
Undo
'Trump show is over' says AG James after he departs
Undo
Estate's valuation included 7 mansions that weren't yet built
Undo
TOTO株式会社
リフォーム成功のカギは、自由すぎる妄想にあり?TOTO株式会社
Undo
Hear Clear
大坂市での高齢者向け透明补聴器の导入が今月からスタート。Hear Clear
Undo
エベレイズヘルス
年収2000万円を目指す新ヘルスコーチビジネス日本上陆エベレイズヘルス
Undo
Top Stories
Principal adopts student who was sent to his office
Nov 30, 5:07 PM
'Golden Bachelor' finale recap: Gerry finds love, proposes
1 hour ago
Frances Sternhagen, Tony Award-winning actor who was familiar maternal face on TV, dies at 93
Nov 30, 4:24 AM
FBI special agent carjacked in Washington, D.C.
Nov 30, 7:43 AM
Search for missing teen ends in grisly discovery in neighbor's yard: Sheriff
Dec 1, 2:55 AM
ABC News Live
24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events