Former U.S. Representative David Jolly has officially entered the 2026 Florida gubernatorial race, launching his campaign as a Democrat in a state that has become increasingly dominated by Republican politics.
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Jolly, who represented Florida’s 13th congressional district from 2014 to 2017 as a Republican, announced his candidacy on June 5, 2025, emphasizing a platform centered on affordability, education, and ethical governance.
A Political Transformation
Jolly’s political journey has been marked by significant shifts. After leaving the Republican Party in 2018 due to disagreements over its direction and alignment with former President Donald Trump, he registered as an independent before officially joining the Democratic Party in April 2025. His transition reflects a broader ideological evolution, positioning himself as a centrist focused on pragmatic solutions over partisan politics.
In his campaign announcement, Jolly highlighted several key issues affecting Floridians:
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• Affordability Crisis: Jolly pointed to the state’s escalating property insurance premiums and housing costs, proposing the creation of a state catastrophe fund aimed at reducing insurance expenses and making housing more affordable.
• Education: He advocates for substantial investments in public education to ensure quality schooling for all Floridians.
• Gun Safety: Jolly supports implementing new gun safety measures to enhance community security.
• Ethical Governance: Emphasizing the need for transparent and accountable leadership, he calls for reforms in campaign finance and ethics laws.
Jolly’s approach seeks to move beyond traditional partisan divides, aiming to build a coalition that includes Democrats, independents, and moderate Republicans who are dissatisfied with the current political climate. He stated, “We can fight crime without fighting communities… and we can create a government that actually serves seniors, veterans, and those in need.”
Navigating a Challenging Political Landscape
Florida’s political environment poses significant challenges for Democratic candidates. The state has not elected a Democratic governor since 1994, and Republicans currently hold all statewide offices, with a voter registration advantage exceeding 1 million. Jolly’s candidacy draws comparisons to that of Charlie Crist, another former Republican who switched parties and ran unsuccessfully as a Democrat in 2022.
Despite these hurdles, Jolly remains optimistic, believing that a focus on practical solutions and a departure from divisive culture wars can resonate with a broad spectrum of voters. He contends that many Floridians are seeking leadership that prioritizes real-world issues over partisan battles.
The Road Ahead
As the first major Democrat to declare a gubernatorial bid for the 2026 election, Jolly’s entry sets the stage for a potentially transformative campaign. With Governor Ron DeSantis term-limited, the race is open, and Jolly aims to position himself as a unifying figure capable of addressing the state’s most pressing concerns.
His campaign’s success will depend on his ability to connect with voters across the political spectrum and to present a compelling vision for Florida’s future that transcends traditional party lines.
