US EditionEx-GOP Congressman David Jolly Launches Democratic Run for Florida Governor
- David Jolly, who previously served as a Republican member of Congress and is known for his criticism of Donald Trump, has declared his candidacy for Florida governor in 2026 as a Democrat.
- Jolly left the GOP in 2018 after Republicans embraced Trump, identifying as an independent before registering Democrat in April 2025 to align with Democratic ideals.
- He cites Florida's affordability crisis, rising property and utility rates, and weakened public schools as key reasons for his candidacy and will engage groups he says Democrats have ignored.
- Jolly said in April, “I think it’s time to fight the affordability crisis,” adding he will not let Republicans make the race about Trump or national politics.
- Despite Florida’s Republican voter advantage and conservative lean, Jolly believes a Democrat can win statewide by focusing on practical solutions to economic challenges.
109 Articles
109 Articles
Tallahassee Reports
News Service of FloridaJolly Launches Bid for Governor
By Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — Former Republican Congressman David Jolly on Thursday became the first prominent Democrat to enter the 2026 gubernatorial race, saying he can attract middle-ground voters who want leaders to address issues such as rising housing and property-insurance costs. Jolly, 52, represented a Pinellas County district in Congress for nearly three years and more recently has been a cable-news politica…
Former House Republican Launches Gubernatorial Bid As Democrat
Former Rep. David Jolly, who served as the U.S. representative for Florida’s 13th congressional district from 2014 to 2017 as a Republican, has launched a bid for Florida governor as a Democrat. “I’m Democrat David Jolly, and I’m launching my campaign today for Governor of Florida,” Jolly said. “Our state is in crisis — not just a crisis of policy, not right versus left, but a crisis of right versus wrong. It doesn’t have to be this way,” he add…
Former House Republican Launches Gubernatorial Bid As Democrat * 100PercentFedUp.com * by Danielle
In a surprising political shift, former Republican Rep. David Jolly is now vying for the Florida governorship as a Democrat. Discover how his campaign aims to tackle the state's pressing issues and challenge the GOP stronghold.
David Jolly Launches Gubernatorial Campaign, Targets Affordability and Public Education
Former U.S. Representative David Jolly, a former Republican and outspoken critic of President Donald Trump, announced Thursday he will run for Florida governor as a Democrat in 2026. Jolly, who represented a Tampa Bay-area district from 2014 to 2017, said he will campaign on issues such as affordability, public education, and access to health care. His platform includes investing in public schools, and creating a state catastrophe fund aimed at …
David Jolly intends to take control of Florida from Republicans who have held over more than two decades
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