David Jolly: From Republican to Democrat in Florida Governor Race
David Jolly, a former Republican congressman, throws his hat in the ring for Florida governor in 2026—now as a Democrat. He pivots his campaign around the state’s growing affordability crisis, targeting the rising costs of housing, property insurance, and utilities. Jolly aims to unite traditional Democrats, churchgoers, and gun owners, setting himself apart from the Republican status quo, despite Florida’s conservative leanings. Jolly’s shift stems from a “political evolution.” He distances himself from national politics to focus on immediate voter concerns. His entry pits him against prominent figures like Congressman Byron Donalds and independent candidates. News Directory 3 reported on this important change of political alliances. Will Jolly’s strategy reshape Florida’s political landscape? Discover what’s next.
david Jolly Enters Florida Governor Race as Democrat
Updated June 06, 2025
TAMPA, Fla.— David Jolly, a former Republican congressman who recently switched to the Democratic Party, has announced his candidacy for Florida governor in 2026. Jolly made the announcement Thursday, emphasizing the need for change in Florida.
Jolly is focusing his campaign on economic issues, particularly the rising costs of property insurance and utilities. He also voiced concerns about the state’s voucher system and the affordability challenges faced by families and retirees.
“I believe we’re experiencing a historic affordability crisis that is limiting housing access for Floridians statewide,” Jolly said. He added that he doesn’t believe Republicans are adequately addressing this issue in Tallahassee.
Despite the Republican Party’s significant voter advantage in Florida, Jolly believes a Democrat can win statewide. He intends to focus on state-level issues rather than national politics, aiming to connect with voters on their immediate concerns.
Jolly, a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, left the Republican Party in 2018, becoming an independent before registering as a Democrat in April. He describes his decision to join the Democratic Party as a “political evolution.”
On the campaign trail,Jolly plans to engage with traditional Democratic voters,as well as groups he believes have been overlooked by the party,including churchgoers and gun owners. He aims to bridge divides and address concerns across the political spectrum.
Jolly differentiated himself from former Republican Gov. Charlie Crist, who also switched parties. “Charlie Crist continued to switch parties out of convenience. I have become a Democrat out of conviction,” Jolly stated.
Jolly enters the race as a high-profile democrat. State Sen. Jason Pizzo, who recently left the Democratic Party, is running as an independent. On the Republican side, Congressman Byron Donalds, endorsed by Trump, has already launched his campaign.
Donalds responded to Jolly’s announcement by calling him an “anti-Trump, radical leftist,” adding that Jolly is “completely out of touch with Florida’s voters and our values.”
David Jolly is an anti-Trump, radical leftist who wants to raise yoru taxes, allow illegals to pour across our border, take school choice away from families, ban guns, and bring woke ideology to Florida.
He’s completely out of touch with Florida’s voters and our values. Florida…
— Byron Donalds (@byrondonalds) June 5, 2025
What’s next
Jolly’s campaign will focus on addressing Florida’s affordability crisis, aiming to resonate with voters across party lines.He faces challenges from both Republican and independent candidates in a state with a strong Republican presence.