Both candidates for governor claim they will be the environmental warrior the state needs to fix the red tide and toxic algae crisis. 

A new television ad on heavy rotation in the Tampa Bay area by the Republican Party of Florida paints Ron DeSantis as the man to fight for Floridians’ clean air and water. 

“As governor, I’ll stand up to special interests, clean up our waters and stop the spread of toxic algae,” said DeSantis in the ad. 

Meanwhile, Democratic candidate Andrew Gillum tweeted a two-minute video espousing his beliefs on how the state got into this environmental mess. 

“Our estuaries are in danger,” said Gillum. “Our sea life is in danger. Our access to drinkable water, clean air…all in danger due to dereliction of duty under control of Republicans.”

The key to the effectiveness of these ads is how voters will see the two candidates’ positions. 

Deregulation is a hallmark of the Republican party platform, while Democrats typically see regulations as necessary to protect citizens and the environment. 

Watch Politics On Your Side on WFLA News Channel 8 every Sunday morning at 9:30, right before Meet the Press.