The Florida gubernatorial race is intensifying, with former Republican Congressman David Jolly’s announced bid as a Democrat drawing heavy fire, particularly over his stance on gun control. Critics are labeling his proposals a direct assault on the Second Amendment, a move seen as politically baffling in a state with a strong pro-gun rights base.
This comes as a leading gubernatorial campaign simultaneously launched its first online advertisement, sharply criticizing Jolly for his embrace of what they term “radical Democrat values.”
Jolly, described by opponents as a “political chameleon” who has transitioned from Republican to Independent and now Democrat, is facing severe backlash for his proposals to implement mandatory liability insurance for gun owners, expand background checks, and introduce other “heavy-handed regulations” on firearms.
With Florida’s GOP holding a commanding 1.3 million voter registration advantage, these anti-gun measures are being framed as a deliberate affront to the state’s “freedom-loving citizens.”
READ: Florida Rep. Byron Donalds’ Campaign Blasts David Jolly’s “Radical Democrat Values”
“Under Republican leadership, violent crime in Florida has plummeted, according to state data,” said Florida GOP Chairman Evan Power.
“We don’t need David Jolly’s nanny-state restrictions on law-abiding gun owners. Democrats like him worship at the altar of Big Brother, obsessed with meddling in our lives while staying silent on cracking down on actual criminals. His radical anti-gun rhetoric might play well on MSNBC, where he’s practically a fixture, but it won’t fly in Florida, where we defend our Second Amendment rights with unwavering resolve.” Power asserted that Jolly’s “leftward lurch on guns is a desperate ploy that’s bound to backfire in a state that stands firm for liberty.”
Meanwhile, the Byron Donalds for Governor campaign released its initial online advertisement, further fanning the flames of criticism against Jolly. The 60-second video prominently features Jolly stating that Democrats are “absolutely right on the issues,” a proclamation the Donalds campaign highlights against a backdrop of what they consider “historically unpopular” and “insane” Democratic policies.
These include advocating for amnesty for undocumented immigrants, taxpayer-funded transgender surgeries for prisoners and detained undocumented immigrants, allowing transgender women to compete in women’s sports, anti-ICE protests, and significant tax increases.
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Ryan Smith, Chief Strategist for the Byron Donalds Campaign, asserted, “The Democrat Party is absolutely wrong on the issues, and David Jolly is absolutely wrong for Florida. While David Jolly supports flooding our communities with criminal illegal aliens, letting men compete in women’s sports, and crushing families with higher taxes, common-sense Floridians do not.” Smith emphasized that as Governor, Byron Donalds would “protect Florida from the radical left and their dangerous agenda,” underscoring Donalds’ endorsement by President Trump.
Jolly’s shift to the Democratic party and his platform come as term-limited Republican Governor Ron DeSantis prepares to conclude his tenure in 2026. Jolly expressed confidence that issues such as affordability, public school funding, and strengthening campaign finance and ethics laws will resonate with Florida voters. He stated, “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… I think enough people in Florida, even some Republicans, now understand that. That the culture wars have gone too far.”
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However, Florida Republicans are swift to condemn Jolly’s candidacy.
Chairman Power labeled Jolly a “flip-flopping political relic,” highlighting his past shifts on issues like Obamacare, abortion, and gun control. Power stated, “No matter the issue, David Jolly has been on all sides of it… 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 referenced President Donald Trump’s double-digit victory in Florida, predicting Jolly has “no platform, no base, and no chance in Florida.”
Donalds, who has already raised over $16 million for his gubernatorial bid, echoed these sentiments, calling Jolly an “anti-Trump radical leftist.” Donalds stated, “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. 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.”
Ryan Smith further criticized Jolly, referring to him as a “failed politician, lobbyist, and MSNBC commentator” who will soon add “failed Gubernatorial candidate to his resume.”
Smith drew parallels between Jolly’s party shifts and 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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