Clinton Backs Jolly in Florida Gubernatorial Race
Former President Bill Clinton has stepped into the midterm elections, showing support for Democrat David Jolly in his contest against Republican Rep. Byron Donalds, as they vie to succeed outgoing Governor Ron DeSantis.
Clinton, who has faced his share of scandals, appeared with Jolly, a former Republican now running as a Democrat, at an “interfaith event” in Hollywood, Florida. During this gathering, Clinton expressed his frustration with politicians engaging in unnecessary conflicts while everyday Americans struggle with basic living expenses.
“You need someone who will wake up every morning and work hard to make a difference. That’s what you need, and I believe that’s David Jolly,” he stated. He also mentioned that he’s “not done trying to improve things,” which was met with some enthusiasm from the audience.
“And from what I gathered tonight, I think you share that feeling. I’ll have to remember not to call David Jolly Reverend Jolly ever again. I’m here to support him and Gwen Graham because they’re in this race for, I believe, the right reasons—giving every Floridian a fair shot, regardless of race, politics, or religion, to build a better future for themselves, their families, and their state,” Clinton remarked, as he referenced scripture.
“He has the right experience, eagerness, skill set, and the drive to make it happen. I think we should give David Jolly a chance. There’s a significant difference between being tired and giving up. That’s why ‘let us not grow weary in doing good’ is one of the important messages in the Bible,” he added. “We will reap the benefits in due time if we don’t lose heart.”
It’s worth noting that Clinton did not elaborate on the context of his biblical reference, taken from Galatians 6, which emphasizes spiritual matters rather than focusing on a political campaign.
Democrats have historically faced challenges in securing the governor’s position in Florida, which has shifted from being a swing state to a solidly Republican one in recent years. The shift appears largely influenced by the coronavirus pandemic, during which DeSantis prioritized personal liberties over strict mandates, attracting many to what he branded the “Free State of Florida.” Currently, there are over 1.5 million more registered Republicans than Democrats in the state, making it a tough landscape for the left. Notably, Florida hasn’t had a Democratic governor since Lawton Chiles, who was re-elected in 1994, despite Charlie Crist having served as governor after running as a Republican at that time.
A recent poll from Stetson University suggests a challenging road ahead for Jolly, as Donalds currently holds an 11-point advantage in the governor’s race.
