Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is reportedly avoiding calls from Vice President Kamala Harris regarding Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, according to The Guardian.

This comes as the state braces for another hurricane, Milton, expected to hit the southwest coast in two days.

An aide to DeSantis told NBC News that the governor was dodging Harris’s calls because they “seemed political.” The aide stated, “Kamala was trying to reach out, and we didn’t answer.” DeSantis has not spoken with President Joe Biden either, but has been in contact with FEMA Director Deanne Criswell.

Political Tensions Rise, White House Assures ‘Robust Federal Response’

The response to Hurricane Helene has become a contentious political issue one month before the presidential election. The White House and local Democratic leaders have called for an end to misinformation about the storm and relief efforts.

DeSantis previously stated that Biden had called him, but he was unable to answer due to being in flight. The Biden team reportedly invited DeSantis to a survey of Helene’s damage in north Florida, but their schedules conflicted.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre assured a “robust federal response” to the approaching Hurricane Milton. She added, “Misinformation, disinformation, is a problem across the board … Whether it’s the election or what we’re seeing with Hurricane Helene or with Hurricane Milton on its way.”

After Helene hit, DeSantis suggested that federal efforts should focus on North Carolina, stating, “Florida, we have it handled. We have what we need … Most of the effort should be in western North Carolina right now because you still have active rescues that need to take place.”

The governor has sent Florida resources, including National Guard members and state agency officials, to assist North Carolina in its recovery efforts.

Read more at The Guardian