Florida Democratic Party Chair Slams DeSantis Ahead of Newsom Debate

Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried on Thursday slammed GOP Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis just hours before his debate with Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

In a press conference Thursday morning, Fried blasted the GOP presidential hopeful for "foolishly" agreeing to the debate, which will be moderated by Fox News host Sean Hannity.

"This is not a shadow debate for the presidency," Fried said. "It is a stunt and a spectacle."

Fried criticized the Florida governor over his immigration policies, signing a six-week abortion ban in the state and for his ongoing feud with the Walt Disney Company, adding that the event would not mark a "true policy debate."

"Tonight, Ron will show the nation who he is," Fried said. "His policies are a disaster for Florida. They would be a disaster for our country."

The duo of governors will debate Thursday at 9 p.m. in a televised event on Fox News.