Governors Ron DeSantis and Gavin Newsom set date for Fox News debate

FOX News announced Monday that Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom will debate on Nov. 30 during the 9 p.m. show hosted by Sean Hannity.

Mega-state governors who are among the most prominent figures in their parties, DeSantis and Newsom are regular antagonists who have been heavily critical of each others' policies.

DeSantis flew migrants from Texas to California recently, criticizing the state's "sanctuary" immigration policy. Newsom made an appearance at New College of Florida, where he slammed DeSantis' effort to remake the state-funded school into a conservative higher education showcase.

Now the two governors will have 90 minutes on national television to drive those points home and increase their exposure.

“I’m looking forward to providing viewers with an informative debate about the everyday issues and governing philosophies that impact the lives of every American," Hannity said in a press release.

DeSantis' campaign confirmed on X that a debate date of Nov. 30 has been set, and the governor released a statement saying: "I look forward to the opportunity to debate Gavin Newsom over our very different visions for the future of our country."

DeSantis also posted a video on X Monday that continued to jab at Newsom's record on issues such as crime.

The debate comes as DeSantis has failed to gain traction in the GOP presidential primary and is looking for anything to ignite his struggling campaign. Newsom, meanwhile, is viewed as a potential presidential candidate but has said he won't challenge President Joe Biden.

The debate between Newsom and DeSantis could be a preview of where their parties are heading, but voters likely will have to wait awhile to see a general election matchup that features either man.

Former President Donald Trump is leading the GOP presidential primary by huge margins and is the overwhelming favorite to win the Republican nomination. Meanwhile, no significant challenger has emerged to take on Biden in the Democratic primary.

The two aging leaders seem destined to clash in the 2024 election, to the chagrin of those who would like to see a new generation of younger candidates, such as Newsom and DeSantis.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Florida and California governors to debate on Sean Hannity's FOX show