A group of Californians calling themselves “refugees” will be attending a press conference with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in Pensacola, Florida, on Monday to criticize California Governor Gavin Newsom’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic. The press conference is leading up to a primetime debate with Fox News host Sean Hannity that will be broadcast live Monday night.
The Californians, who say they have relocated to Florida because of Newsom’s policies, plan to discuss the benefits of living in Florida compared to California in the press conference. They will also express support for the governor and take issue with the restrictions Newsom has put in place in response to the pandemic.
The event is part of DeSantis’s efforts to attract businesses and residents from other states, including California, as part of his “Florida Comeback” initiative. Hannity’s show has also been critical of Newsom’s leadership in California, and it is streaming the debate through its website.
The group of Californians, which the Florida GOP says consists of “business owners, individuals, and workers”, is organized by a conservative political action committee. It is unclear if any of the attendees will discuss their business dealings with the governor in Florida or their financial support of him during the press conference.
