Gavin Newsom and Ron DeSantis are set to battle each other on live TV. Here’s how to watch

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis are preparing for, perhaps, the biggest political television event of the year.

The governors will face off at 6 p.m. Pacific time Thursday night in a 90-minute “Red State vs. Blue State Debate” on the Fox News Channel, to be moderated by Sean Hannity. Newsom and DeSantis will meet in Alpharetta, Georgia, where they will spar in a studio without a live audience.

Democrat Newsom and Republican DeSantis have spent the past year trading barbs over their states’ policy differences. Newsom first challenged DeSantis to a debate in September 2022 on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Hey @GovRonDeSantis, clearly you’re struggling, distracted, and busy playing politics with people’s lives,” Newsom posted at the time. “Since you have only one overriding need — attention — let’s take this up & debate. I’ll bring my hair gel. You bring your hairspray. Name the time before Election Day.”

This summer, the governors both confirmed their desire to square off in a debate during separate appearances on Hannity’s show. After some back-and-forth between their teams over location and debate logistics, Fox News announced the event in September.

Initially, DeSantis pushed for an audience and two-minute introductory videos in lieu of opening remarks. Newsom was opposed to having others present in the studio, and it appears he got his wish.

“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 the September announcement.

Where can I watch the debate?

The debate will air at 6 p.m. on Fox News, which is streamable on Foxnews.com with a login from a cable or satellite provider. Fox News Radio will also simulcast the event at radio.foxnews.com.

Why are Newsom and DeSantis debating?

Newsom and DeSantis are both hoping the debate will boost their political profiles in different ways.

DeSantis is actively running a losing campaign to become the Republican Party’s 2024 presidential nominee. He is trailing badly behind former President Donald Trump, making a nationally televised battle against a liberal governor an excellent chance to pique conservative voters’ interest.

Newsom has repeatedly said he is not running for president in 2024. Instead, he has been acting as a surrogate for President Joe Biden’s re-election and touting California values with billboards and newspaper and TV ads in conservative states, including Florida.

He recently launched one such ad slamming DeSantis for a law banning abortions at six weeks of pregnancy during Hannity’s show and during NFL Sunday Night Football.

The California governor this year also launched his Campaign for Democracy political action committee and took a tour of red states, including Florida.

Newsom relishes his role as a defender of Democrats, and the debate with DeSantis could introduce him to an audience that may prove helpful for a 2028 presidential run.