California Gov. Gavin Newsom launched a new campaign ad, saying “freedom is under attack” in Republican-led states.
While Newsom doesn’t mention Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis by name, the video does point out the state’s accomplishments and shows photos of the governor.
“It’s Independence Day,” Newsom says. “So let’s talk about what’s going on in America”.
“Freedom is under attack in your state,” he adds as photos of DeSantis and Trump appear.
“Your Republican leaders, they’re banning books, making it harder to vote, restricting speech in classrooms, even criminalizing women and doctors,” Newsom continues.
The California governor appeared to reference Florida’s ban on critical race theory in schools and the state’s 15-week abortion ban.
“I urge all of you living in Florida to join the fight,” Newsom says, “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,” he continues. “Don’t let them take your freedom”.
According to the South Florida Business Journal, more than 18,000 California residents moved to Florida in 2019 and over 17,000 did in 2020.
Last month, Newsom announced he was joining former President Donald Trump’s social media platform Truth Social to call out “Republican lies”.