Former Tampa Bay U.S. Rep. David Jolly, a once-Republican congressman and outspoken critic of Donald Trump, officially announced his candidacy for Florida Governor today, running as a Democrat. Jolly’s bid marks him as the latest in a line of party converts hoping to reclaim control of the Sunshine State, which has seen a significant shift to the right in recent years.
Jolly’s announcement comes as term-limited Republican Governor Ron DeSantis prepares to conclude his tenure in 2026. Despite Florida’s role as a proving ground for Trump administration policies and a source of staff, Jolly expressed confidence that issues such as affordability, public school funding, and strengthening campaign finance and ethics laws will resonate with a broad spectrum of Florida voters.
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He anticipates a nationwide shift in the upcoming elections.
“I actually think Republicans in Tallahassee have gone too far in dividing us. I think we should get politicians out of the classrooms, out of the doctor’s offices,” Jolly stated. “I think enough people in Florida, even some Republicans, now understand that. That the culture wars have gone too far.”
However, Jolly’s conversion to the Democratic party and his platform are already facing fierce opposition from Florida Republicans, who point to the state’s significant Republican voter advantage and a string of recent GOP victories. Florida currently boasts a 1.3 million Republican voter advantage.
Florida GOP Chairman Evan Power condemned Jolly’s candidacy, labeling him a “flip-flopping political relic.”
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Power highlighted Jolly’s inconsistent political journey, noting his shifts on issues ranging from Obamacare to abortion and gun control.
“No matter the issue, David Jolly has been on all sides of it,” Power asserted. “Floridians won’t be swayed. Under Republican leadership, Florida enjoys low inflation, fiscal responsibility, and a thriving economy. School choice and parental rights are prioritized, and support for the rule of law is unmatched. We aren’t going backward with a flip-flopping political relic.”
Power also underscored President Donald Trump’s double-digit victory in Florida just seven months prior, emphasizing the continued growth of Republican dominance in the state. “David Jolly has lost before, and he will lose again,” Power added, predicting Jolly has “no platform, no base, and no chance in Florida.”
The Byron Donalds for Governor Campaign also released strong statements in response to Jolly’s announcement. Congressman Byron Donalds, who is endorsed by President Trump for the gubernatorial race and has already raised over $16 million, painted Jolly as an “anti-Trump radical leftist.”
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“David Jolly is an anti-Trump radical leftist who wants to raise your taxes, allow illegals to pour across our border, take school choice away from families, ban guns, and bring woke ideology to Florida,” Congressman Donalds stated. “He’s completely out of touch with Florida’s voters and our values. Florida is Trump Country, and I am proudly endorsed by President Trump to be Florida’s next Governor. As Governor, I will fight side by side with President Trump to protect Florida families and Make America Great Again.”
Ryan Smith, Chief Strategist for the Byron Donalds Campaign, echoed this sentiment, calling Jolly a “failed politician, lobbyist, and MSNBC commentator” who will soon add “failed Gubernatorial candidate to his resume.” Smith likened Jolly’s party shifts to those of former Republican-turned-Democrat Charlie Crist, asserting, “Byron Donalds will be Florida’s next Governor because he is the only proven conservative fighter endorsed by President Trump.”
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