DeSantis and Crist trade blows in only debate, but will it impact the outcome of the race?

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis went head-to-head with his Democratic challenger Charlie Crist on the debate stage last night tackling issues including education, public safety, the economy and more.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

There were some standout moments in the hourlong battle.

In their one-and-only debate, Crist and DeSantis traded blows, with Crist pushing the incumbent governor on his abortion stance and whether he has his eye on the presidency.

“Why don’t you look in the eyes of the people of the state of Florida and say to them if you’re reelected you will serve a full four-year term as governor. Yes, or no? Yes or no Ron? Will you serve a full four-year term if you’re reelected governor of Florida?” said Crist.

After about a 15-second pause, DeSantis responded with this statement.

“I just want to make things very, very clear. The only worn out old donkey I’m looking to put out to pasture is Charlie Crist,” said DeSantis.

Read: Georgia-Florida game: What to know ahead of Saturday’s matchup at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville

DeSantis also took jabs, framing Crist as an extension of President Joe Biden.

“You know, Charlie Crist has voted with Joe Biden 100% of the time to give us these inflationary policies and to drive up the cost of everything that we’re doing, and the fact of the matter is over the last two years we now have record inflation all across this country at 40-year highs,” said DeSantis.

Those two moments struck University of North Florida political science professor Sean Freeder as the highlights of Monday night’s debate.

But ultimately, Freeder said he’s skeptical if many voters will be swayed by either candidates’ performance.

“The first thing that we have to point out is that most people just don’t watch political debates and the second thing we have to point out is that the people that do watch them tend to come in already having a side chosen that they’re rooting for,” said Freeder.

Read: Jaguars trade James Robinson to the Jets in exchange for draft pick, reports say

The two most recent polls found DeSantis 11 points ahead of Crist.

Freeder argued for Crist to have made up the necessary ground, he would have had to have landed a deathblow in the debate.

Instead, Freeder perceived the debate as ending without a clear winner.

“And you know for a period of time where Crist really needs to find a way to pick up and improve those numbers he has, that’s to Crist’s loss and DeSantis’ advantage for sure,” said Freeder.

On Tuesday afternoon, Crist sent out an official call challenging DeSantis to an additional two debates.

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

We reached out to the DeSantis campaign for a response, but didn’t hear back.