News Summary
David Jolly, the former Republican congressman, has announced his candidacy for governor of Florida as a Democrat. His campaign aims to address key issues such as affordability, public school funding, and campaign finance reform. With Florida’s current governor, Ron DeSantis, term-limited, Jolly’s shift in political allegiance may create a new coalition of voters in the state. Jolly plans to initiate his campaign with a listening tour, focusing on understanding the concerns of Floridians. His evolving political journey reflects a significant change in his views over the years.
David Jolly Takes a Bold Step into Florida’s Political Scene
Former Republican congressman David Jolly has made headlines this week by announcing his candidacy for governor of Florida, but here’s the twist: he’s running as a Democrat! This unexpected move comes as Jolly prepares for the 2026 election, seeking to shake things up in the Sunshine State.
The Announcement that Shook the GOP
Jolly’s announcement came on a Thursday, and he wasted no time outlining some of the key issues he plans to tackle. Jolly is set on making affordability a priority, pushing for better funding for public schools, and championing campaign finance reform. With Florida’s current governor, Ron DeSantis, term-limited and unable to run again, Jolly sees this as an opportunity to step in and offer leadership.
A Look Back at Jolly’s Political Journey
For those who might not know, Jolly first entered the political ring by winning a special election for Florida’s 13th congressional district in 2014. He served in Congress until 2017 before switching gears. In 2018, he declared himself an independent and finally joined the Democratic Party in April 2025. This journey reflects a significant evolution in Jolly’s political views over the years, a reflection he believes many voters may find relatable.
Commentary and Critique
In recent years, Jolly built a notable reputation as an anti-Trump commentator on MSNBC. However, his relationship with the network soured after he formed a political action committee. Throughout his political commentary, he hasn’t held back in criticizing the Republican Party for what he describes as divisive tactics, particularly the tendency to link immigration to crime. Instead, he advocates for a more compassionate immigration policy, looking to foster understanding rather than fear.
Building a New Coalition
Bearing in mind the state of the Democratic Party in Florida—where they currently hold no statewide office and face a marked deficit in voter registration compared to their Republican counterparts—Jolly aims to create a new coalition of voters. This coalition will prioritize practical solutions over anger and division, drawing in independents and moderate Republicans and addressing the needs and concerns of communities that feel overlooked.
Critics and Comparisons
Despite his ambitions, Jolly has faced some criticism along the way. Notably, U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds has drawn comparisons between Jolly’s party switch and that of another political figure, Charlie Crist, who attempted to run for governor as a Democrat after his own tenure as a Republican. This kind of scrutiny is not uncommon in politics, especially when someone changes their party allegiance.
Jolly’s Vision for Florida
With a firm grasp on the issues facing Floridians, Jolly’s platform includes a push for expanded Medicaid, investments in public education, and reforms to the property tax system—all while positioning himself against certain proposals put forth by DeSantis. His approach suggests a shift in how Democrats can better connect with voters who may feel disenchanted.
A Fresh Campaign Strategy
In an interesting twist, Jolly plans to kick off his campaign with a listening tour instead of traditional launch events. This focus puts emphasis on understanding the real issues that matter to Floridians, rather than just delivering speeches. He believes that truly connecting with the electorate is crucial if he hopes to make an impact.
Looking Ahead
While details on fundraising efforts remain under wraps, Jolly is optimistic about leveraging his connections and national network to support his campaign. He recognizes the challenges of voter registration in Florida and hopes to address them directly as part of his strategy.
As the political landscape in Florida continues to evolve, David Jolly’s candidacy may just signal a new chapter in the state’s governance. Whether he can unite a diverse coalition and find success remains to be seen, but it’s definitely a race to watch!
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Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
