Migrant Warfare: Florida's Ron DeSantis Sends Migrants to California's Gavin Newsom

What’s happening: California Gov. Gavin Newsom escalated his ongoing conflict with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday, invoking the prospect of pursuing kidnapping charges after Florida transported three dozen migrants to Sacramento. Newsom, a Democrat, cited state kidnapping statutes in a tweet to DeSantis and referred to DeSantis as a "small, pathetic man.”

Migrant warfare: The Florida governor has established some of the most rigorous laws against illegal immigration at the state level and brought national attention to the issue when he transported around 50 migrants to Martha's Vineyard, an affluent town home to elites like former President Barack Obama. Similarly, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s busing of thousands of migrants to New York City significantly strained the city's resources and caused its officials to reconsider its status as a "sanctuary city."

Between the lines: The ongoing feud with California's ultra-liberal governor is beneficial for DeSantis's campaign. He is eyeing California for campaign support, having already solicited donations there and planned a return visit this month. This comes as the Golden State, despite its blue leanings, emerges as a potential player in the GOP primaries. At one point, DeSantis was polling eight points ahead of Donald Trump in California.

California’s identity: Newsom is using the recent advancements in conservative legislation as an opportunity to solidify California's identity as a progressive stronghold. For example, in response to conservative states implementing bans on gender transition procedures for minors, Newsom declared California a sanctuary state for such procedures, inviting children from other states to come to California to undergo them.