DeSantis, Newsom Face Off to Rally Base With Eyes on the White House

  • Florida’s DeSantis needs momentum in his run against Trump
  • California’s Newsom seen as Democratic contender after Biden

A watch party for the debate between Ron DeSantis and Gavin Newsom in San Francisco on Nov. 30.

Photographer: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
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Governors Ron DeSantis of Florida and Gavin Newsom of California sparred over taxes, border security and energy, in a debate that unfolded as a sideshow to the 2024 presidential race — and perhaps a glimpse of the next one.

The event — largely regarded as a political stunt — escalated a long-running feud between leaders of states at opposite ends of the nation’s partisan divide who’ve pined for a shot at the White House.