Casey DeSantis Hits Back at Gavin Newsom After Attack on Florida Governor

Florida first lady Casey DeSantis hit out at California Governor Gavin Newsom after he explained why he attacked Ron DeSantis in a July 4 ad.

Newsom paid for an ad to air in Florida during the July 4 weekend where he criticized Ron DeSantis' governing of the state. He urged Americans to move from Florida to California as he claimed their freedoms were under attack.

He said they were under attack on issues like abortion, book banning and the easiness of voting.

Over the weekend, Newsom spoke to the Sacramento Bee and gave his explanation for why he aired the ad.

Discussing his reasons for taking out the ad on Friday, Newsom told the Sacramento Bee that "he did something that tipped me very directly, and that was going after the Special Olympics."

"That led to the consideration of doing something a little bit more expressive and that was the determination on the ad," he said.

Florida state threatened to fine the Special Olympics $27.5 million if it did not stop its COVID-19 vaccine mandate before the 2022 USA games in Orlando in June.

The organization's officials eventually complied, prompting Ron DeSantis to say it was a victory for the athletes.

On Monday, in a veiled attack back at Newsom, Casey DeSantis shared a video to her Twitter page showing an athlete's joy during a press conference after learning she will be able to compete.

"For those who need a reminder...this is why we fight," Casey DeSantis wrote as a caption.

"Isabella competed in the Special Olympics because Ron DeSantis stood up and fought for her and all the other Special Olympians who would have been side lined. We will never stop fighting for people like Isabella."

In the video, athlete Isabella Valle's mother, Elaine Valle, thanked Ron DeSantis for his efforts to have the Special Olympics change its ruling.

"We found out this morning that [Isabella] will be able to compete," Elaine Valle said, to the delight of the crowd.

"We just want to thank, Governor DeSantis and the Governor's team. I have had a lot of conversations in the last couple of weeks and [I would like to thank] the Florida Department of Health for also speaking with us.

"I am going to keep this very short because we are still shocked and excited about the news."

She also noted that it had been an emotional journey finding out whether her daughter would be able to compete, but was now thankful they would be able to get the go ahead.