Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and California Gov. Gavin Newsom sparred on the Fox News debate stage on Thursday evening, in an unconventional clash between two star politicians who aren’t directly competing for a role.
DeSantis is still running for the 2024 GOP nomination, but is doing so while questions grow over his odds against former President Donald Trump and as rival hopeful Nikki Haley gains momentum. Newsom isn’t running for president, and says he won’t.
With neither of its participants’ names on the same ballot, the Sean Hannity-moderated segment — “the Great Red vs. Blue State Debate” — featured a chance for both DeSantis and Newsom to reinforce their positions and presence.
And though they debated issues surrounding the 2024 election, it’s possible both men were more motivated by the next presidential race, Kambiz Akhavan, the executive director of the USC Center for the Political Future, told Business Insider.