In a heated exchange between California Governor Gavin Newsom and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a controversy arose as the debate concluded unexpectedly. The Fox News-hosted event took an unexpected turn as Governor Newsom's wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, allegedly ended the debate during the last commercial break. Conflicting accounts from both camps have fueled speculation and raised questions about the events that transpired.

Sources close to Governor DeSantis revealed that Jennifer Siebel Newsom had entered the debate room during breaks to voice her concerns about the direction of the debate. Specifically, she objected to remarks made by DeSantis about her parents' decision to move from California to Florida during the pandemic. DeSantis had cited a conversation with a Californian who expressed satisfaction with Florida's governance, safety measures, and lower taxes, before revealing that he was in fact Newsom's father-in-law.

According to sources with both campaigns, each governor had separate green rooms backstage. DeSantis' communications director, Andrew Romeo, alleged that Governor Newsom's wife intervened when it became evident that her husband was struggling during the debate. Romeo stated, "Gavin Newsom got beat so badly last night his wife literally had to throw in the towel for him. It was embarrassing."

However, a Newsom aide denied these claims, asserting that both campaigns had mutually agreed to end the debate at that point. Governor Newsom himself mentioned the perceived panic from both sides and the need to move on to other commitments. "I think everybody started panicking on both sides," he told reporters during the post-debate spin room. "So, I think everybody has someplace to be."

Interestingly, Newsom's team also raised concerns about the debate's handling by Fox News. They argued that DeSantis violated the agreed-upon ground rules by using printed props on stage. A Fox News spokesperson countered, stating that the only prohibition was against the use of multimedia production and that the issue of props was not raised beforehand. The spokesperson clarified that both sides were allowed to showcase what makes their respective states great at the start of the debate.

Another contention from the Newsom camp involved alleged unauthorized interactions between DeSantis and his wife, Casey DeSantis, and a staff member during commercial breaks. Fox News had explicitly prohibited such contact, according to Newsom's team. They also claimed that DeSantis had a teleprompter displaying questions from moderator Sean Hannity, a notion vehemently denied by Fox News. The network maintained that neither candidate had access to the questions beforehand.

The California governor's team further complained that Hannity had gone against his initial statement of not using any multimedia during the debate. They highlighted Hannity's utilization of full-screen graphics comparing records on COVID, homelessness, and other issues between California and Florida. Fox News defended Hannity's actions, emphasizing that he had made it clear in advance that he would employ visuals during the debate.

In response to NBC News and Politico, a Fox News spokesperson refuted the accusation of a teleprompter for DeSantis, asserting that props were not discussed. The spokesperson also stated that Fox News had accommodated a last-minute request from Newsom's team to refrain from using video sound bites.

With conflicting narratives and accusations being exchanged, the abrupt end to the debate has sparked controversy and deepened the divide between supporters of the two governors. As the aftermath of the clash continues to unfold, both camps remain at odds over what truly transpired during the highly anticipated debate.

Note: This article is based on the information provided and does not verify the accuracy of the claims made by either side.