Gavin Newsom Reveals Real Motivation Behind Ron DeSantis Ad

BY GERRARD KAONGA ON 7/17/22 NEWSWEEK

California Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom has revealed why he took aim at Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in a July 4 ad.

Newsom paid for an ad to air in Florida during the July 4 weekend and in it urged Americans to move from DeSantis' Florida to California.

He argued that their freedoms were being attacked as he highlighted contentious issues like abortion, book banning and the easiness of voting.

Speaking to the Sacramento Bee, Newsom said he went after DeSantis due to recent actions he had taken against the Special Olympics.

The Florida state threatened to fine the organization $27.5 million if it did not stop its COVID-19 vaccine mandate before the 2022 USA games in Orlando in June.

The Special Olympics officials eventually complied, prompting DeSantis to say it was a victory for the athletes.



Discussing his reasons for taking out the ad on Friday, Newsom told the Sacramento Bee that "he did something that tipped me very directly, and that was going after the Special Olympics."

"That led to the consideration of doing something a little bit more expressive and that was the determination on the ad," he added.

In the 30 second video, Newsom said: "It's Independence Day. Let's talk about what's going on in America.

"Freedom. It's under attack in your state, your Republican leaders, they're banning books, making it harder to vote, restricting speech in classrooms, even criminalizing women and doctors.

"I urge all of you live in Florida to join the fight."

Newsom went on to add: "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. Don't let them take your freedom."

Speaking at a press conference a few days later, DeSantis hit back at Newsom and claimed people in California were fleeing the state due to his governing.

"Let us be clear, California is driving people away with their terrible governance," he said.

"Some of the best weather in the world in southern California, they have some of the best natural advantages, probably the best natural advantages of any state in this country.

"For the entire history of California, they never lost population until this recent governor got into office and now they are hemorrhaging population.

"It is almost hard to drive people out of a place like California, given all of their natural advantages and yet they are finding a way to do it."

California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks during a news conference in San Francisco, California on May 27, 2022. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaks during the inaugural Moms For Liberty Summit at the Tampa Marriott Water Street on July 15, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. Newsom has explained why he attacked DeSantis in his July 4 ad.

JOSH EDELSON AND OCTAVIO JONES/GETTY

Following the initial news of DeSantis' actions against the Special Olympics, Newsom shared an article on Florida Governor's actions.

"Ron DeSantis' values on full display: Bullying. The. Special. Olympics," Newsom tweeted.

Newsweek has contacted Newsom and DeSantis for further comment.