California Gov. Gavin Newsom went after Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, with several ads criticizing his stances on abortion and gun control.
The ads appeared on Friday, the same day Newsom signed legislation that allows private citizens to sue anyone who manufactures, sells, transports or distributes banned “assault weapons and ghost guns,” reported Fox News.
Under the legislation, residents who sue will also receive up to $10,000 per weapon if the suit is successful.
“These new measures will help keep children safe at school, keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people and responsibly regulate the sale of firearms in our communities. California will continue to lead on lifesaving polices that provide a model for action by other states and the nation,” Newsom said.
The measure mimics Abbott’s 2021 ban on abortion, which allows private citizens to sue anyone who provides or assists in an abortion after six weeks of pregnancy.
Texas residents are also able to receive up to $10,000 if their lawsuit is successful.
“If Texas can ban abortion and endanger lives, California can ban deadly weapons of war and save lives. If Governor Abbott truly wants to protect the right to life, we urge him to follow California’s lead,” Newsom’s ad said.
It is supposed to appear in multiple Texas newspapers, including Houston Chronicle, El Paso Times, and Austin American-Statesman.
Earlier in July, Newsom released a video ad claiming “freedom is under attack” in Republican-led states.
Though he didn’t mention Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis by name, the video pointed out the state’s accomplishments and showed photos of the governor.
“I urge all of you living in Florida to join the fight,” Newsom said, “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”.