Former Republican David Jolly launches Democratic bid for Florida governor
Democrats in Florida are gearing up for a tough battle as they strive to win the governor’s office in the upcoming elections. It has been over 30 years since a Democrat last won a gubernatorial race in the Sunshine State, with the last victory being Governor Lawton Chiles’ re-election in 1994. However, former Republican Rep. David Jolly believes that the key to breaking this losing streak lies in addressing the state’s current affordability crisis.
Jolly, who recently announced his candidacy as a Democrat for the 2026 gubernatorial race, pointed out that the affordability crisis in Florida has been exacerbated by a neglectful Republican leadership in Tallahassee. He emphasized the need for change, stating that the state has abandoned public education and allowed corruption to flourish unchecked.
Highlighting the GOP’s voter registration advantage in Florida, Jolly acknowledged that Democrats cannot win the governor’s office solely with their own party’s support. He stressed the importance of building a coalition that includes independents and moderate Republicans, citing the existing dissatisfaction among voters from all political affiliations due to the affordability crisis.
Drawing parallels to successful Democratic campaigns in other states, Jolly mentioned Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and former Montana Governor Steve Bullock as examples of coalition-building efforts that led to victory. He expressed confidence in his ability to lead a similar coalition in Florida and bring about the change that voters are demanding.
While Jolly’s switch from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party has drawn criticism from Florida Republicans, he emphasized that his values and beliefs have remained consistent throughout his political evolution. He underlined his commitment to issues such as marriage equality, gun control, climate change, and campaign finance reform, noting that his decision to join the Democratic Party was based on ideological alignment rather than political expediency.
As the Republican primary for the gubernatorial race heats up, Rep. Byron Donalds has emerged as a front-runner with the endorsement of former President Donald Trump. However, Jolly downplayed the significance of Trump’s endorsement, focusing instead on the urgent need to address the affordability crisis in Florida.
In a state where voters are clamoring for change, Jolly positioned himself as a candidate who can offer a fresh perspective and a break from the status quo represented by potential Republican candidates like Donalds and Casey DeSantis. With a focus on coalition-building and addressing pressing issues facing Floridians, Jolly aims to mount a formidable challenge to the GOP’s long-standing dominance in the governor’s office.
