A former Republican congressman, David Jolly, has announced his candidacy for governor of Florida as a Democrat, positioning himself as a critic of Donald Trump and aligning with what he describes as the fundamental values of the Democratic Party. Jolly, who left the Republican Party in 2018 and has since become an outspoken opponent of Trump on platforms like MSNBC, aims to address pressing issues such as affordability, education funding, and campaign finance reform, believing these topics will resonate with Florida voters come 2026.
Florida has seen a significant political shift to the right in recent years, losing its status as a premier swing state. Jolly emphasizes the importance of moving away from divisive politics, arguing that many Floridians, including some Republicans, recognize that the culture wars have gone too far. In his campaign, he’s particularly critical of current Republican policies on immigration, which he views as conflating crime with legal status, a stance he describes as both wrong and immoral.
His announcement comes at a challenging time for the Florida Democratic Party, which currently holds no statewide offices and faces a growing Republican majority among registered voters. Jolly’s decision to run may draw parallels with previous Democratic candidates like Charlie Crist, who faced a significant defeat in the 2022 gubernatorial race against Republican Ron DeSantis. Crist himself was once Jolly’s political rival, having ousted him from his congressional seat in 2016.
In addition to Jolly, the Republican field is expected to include Trump-backed Rep. Byron Donalds, who is also a prominent voice on cable news, alongside other potential candidates like former Rep. Matt Gaetz and Casey DeSantis.
Jolly’s candidacy introduces a new dynamic in Florida politics, emphasizing a return to bipartisan dialogue and a focus on governance that seeks to unite rather than divide. This could present a fresh opportunity for voters looking for change as Florida approaches its next gubernatorial election.
The governor’s race is shaping up to be a critical battleground, with Jolly’s entrance adding an intriguing layer to the political landscape. His message of inclusion and common ground may resonate with voters who feel left behind by the extreme partisanship of recent years.