Ex-Republican David Jolly Announces Unlikely Campaign for Florida Governor as a Democratic Candidate
The Democratic Party faces a significant challenge in their pursuit to reclaim Florida’s governorship in 2026, a position they have not held in over two decades. However, David Jolly, a former Republican congressman who distanced himself from the party due to his opposition to Donald Trump, is stepping up to the plate. On Thursday, Jolly became the first prominent Democrat to announce his candidacy for governor. In his announcement, Jolly emphasized a vision of unity and progress, stating, “Let’s end the politics of division and return Florida to voters who simply want an economy that works, the best education system in the world, safe communities, and a government that stays out of their doctor’s offices and family decisions.”
His campaign will prioritize lowering housing and insurance costs, increasing public education funding, and implementing stricter gun safety measures. Jolly served as a Republican member of Congress from Tampa between 2014 and 2017, famously losing his seat to Charlie Crist, a former governor who also transitioned from Republican to Democrat. Crist has previously challenged for the governorship but has faced defeat in his past attempts. This shift in political allegiance has prompted comparisons from Republicans, who see Jolly’s candidacy as echoing Crist’s unsuccessful trajectory.
Florida GOP Chairman Evan Power has stated that voters wouldn’t be convinced by Jolly’s platforms, asserting that Florida thrives under Republican leadership. Since changing his political affiliation, Jolly has emerged as a prominent anti-Trump figure and a commentator on platforms like MSNBC. His entry into the 2026 race comes with a potentially advantageous position, as former state Senator Jason Pizzo—considered a potential Democratic rival—recently announced his independent run, further clearing Jolly’s path to the nomination. Despite Florida’s shift towards a Republican stronghold, with the GOP holding all levels of state power, Jolly believes that redirecting the campaign focus away from cultural disputes could resonate with voters.
He envisions a campaign centered on optimism and practical solutions rather than division. On the Republican front, U.S. Representative Byron Donalds has declared his gubernatorial candidacy and has quickly gained support from Trump, raising over $15 million as a front-runner. Nonetheless, Jolly remains optimistic that after more than two decades of GOP governance, Floridians are ready for a transformative change, pledging to promote Democratic values that aim to enhance opportunities for all citizens.