David Jolly, a former Republican House member from Florida and outspoken critic of Trump, has officially announced his candidacy for governor as a Democrat. He made the announcement on Thursday.
“We need to put an end to divisive politics and focus on creating a working economy, providing top-notch education, ensuring safe communities, and keeping government decisions out of personal family matters,” Jolly stated in a press release.
He emphasized that his campaign aims to tackle various problems not through anger or division, but rather with optimism and practical solutions. “We’re forming a new coalition of Floridians who genuinely care about their communities and are seeking real answers to pressing issues that threaten quality of life,” he added.
Jolly represented Florida’s 13th Congressional District from 2014 until 2017, which includes parts of Greater Tampa. He left the Republican Party in 2018 and has since been vocal against Trump on cable news platforms.
Entering what has become one of the nation’s leading Republican strongholds, Jolly faces a considerable challenge. Trump, now residing in Florida, won the state by 13 points in the last election. Additionally, Republicans have made significant gains in traditionally Democratic areas like Miami-Dade County and have a solid voter registration lead.
In 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) won his re-election bid against Charlie Crist by nearly 20 points.
Jolly is the first Democrat to officially enter the gubernatorial race. Former state senator Jason Pizzo (D-Fla.) is reportedly contemplating an independent run after leaving the Democratic Party, famously calling it “dead” in a dramatic exit speech last month.
On the Republican front, Rep. Byron Donald (R-Fla.) has already launched his campaign, and Florida’s First Lady, Casey DeSantis, is also considering her options. Donald has emerged as a strong candidate, particularly after receiving Trump’s endorsement and raising $12 million in just his first month of campaigning.
