California Governor Gavin Newsom on 20–21 June publicly challenged U.S. Vice President JD Vance to a one-on-one debate, intensifying a dispute that flared during Vance’s visit to Los Angeles. Newsom issued the invitation after the vice president criticized California’s leadership at a press conference and referred to Democratic Senator Alex Padilla as “José,” a remark Newsom called disrespectful. Vance was in the state for Republican fund-raising events and to receive an award from the conservative Claremont Institute. The exchange adds an early skirmish to the 2028 presidential landscape: Newsom is barred from seeking another gubernatorial term and is widely viewed as a likely Democratic contender, while Vance, who also serves as the Republican National Committee’s finance chair, is considered a prospective GOP candidate. Neither officeholder has announced a campaign, but the proposed debate would mark the first direct confrontation between two figures expected to shape the next White House race.