Florida Republicans React to David Jolly’s Potential Governor Run
The GOP in Florida is reacting strongly to Rep. David Jolly’s shift to the Democratic Party and the possibility that he might run for governor. It’s generating quite a buzz.
Jolly is considering his candidacy in Florida and is expected to announce his decision soon. “I look forward to making a decision this week,” he mentioned over the weekend, hinting that he’ll share his final choice shortly.
His political journey has been quite eventful. Jolly was a Republican in the U.S. House from 2014 to 2017. After becoming an independent in 2018, he officially registered as a Democrat this April, and now he’s contemplating a run for governor under the Democratic banner.
“David Jolly has played both sides of the fence,” commented Florida GOP Chairman Evan Power, expressing doubt about Jolly’s viability as a candidate. He stated that Floridians would likely not support someone seen as opportunistic.
Power highlighted the current political climate in Florida: “Under Republican leadership, we enjoy low inflation, fiscal responsibility, and a strong economy. We prioritize school choice and parental rights, and our commitment to the rule of law is unmatched.”
He added, “Jolly has lost before, and he’ll likely lose again. Floridians don’t trust someone who seems untrustworthy. Jolly lacks a platform and a solid base in Florida.” The GOP also pointed out that registered Republicans outnumber Democrats by 1.3 million, which reflects a trend that gained momentum starting in late 2021.
Since then, the Republican lead has grown, surpassing Democrats in March 2022. By February 2023, the gap reached over 400,000 registered voters, ballooning to 680,030 by October 31, 2023.
In August 2024, just months before a crucial election, Republicans announced a significant advantage, claiming a million more voters than Democrats.
In a notable political shift, traditionally Democratic areas like Miami-Dade County have flipped Republican for the first time in three decades. Recent reports indicated that registered Republicans now exceed Democrats in the county.
The county’s registered Republicans were reported to be 464,370, while registered Democrats stood at 440,790, marking a +23,580 advantage for Republicans in a historically Blue region. Furthermore, there are also around 429,099 independent and third-party voters, with Republicans leading there too.
The Florida GOP celebrated this achievement, highlighting its significance in demonstrating the strength of Republican grassroots efforts.
If Jolly decides to run, it’s uncertain how he plans to navigate the shifting political landscape in South Florida, where Democrats typically have strong support.
He noted, “The governor’s race heavily relies on Broward County. If there’s strong turnout among Broward Democrats, that will be crucial.” Jolly emphasized the need for a coalition that can appeal to voters who may not have aligned with them in the past.
