Former Republican David Jolly Enters Florida Governor Race as Democrat, Aiming to Break 26-Year Drought

David Jolly, a former Republican U.S. Congressman, has officially launched his campaign for Governor of Florida as a Democrat, aiming for the 2026 election. His candidacy, announced in June 2025, follows a significant political evolution that saw him leave the Republican Party in 2018, become an independent, and formally register as a Democrat in April 2025. This move positions Jolly as a prominent figure seeking to end the Democratic Party's 26-year gubernatorial drought in Florida.

Jolly's journey from a Republican Congressman representing Florida's 13th district (2014-2017) to a Democratic gubernatorial candidate has been marked by his vocal criticism of former President Donald Trump and frequent appearances as a political commentator. He describes his party switch as a natural progression, stating, "The actual registration as a Democrat wasn't a pivot. It was a kind of a formality," reflecting his alignment with what he now views as the Democratic Party's fundamental values.

A key aspect of Jolly's evolving platform is his stance on abortion rights, shifting from a pro-life Republican to a pro-choice Democrat. He explained that his previous views were influenced by faith, but he now believes government should not apply faith convictions to policy. "As governor of the state of Florida, I would fight to enact Amendment 4 into legislation, into law," Jolly stated, emphasizing support for a woman's right to choose and codifying the Roe v. Wade framework. Similarly, his position on gun control has evolved, now advocating for stricter regulations like licensing, registration, and an assault weapons ban, citing the Pulse nightclub shooting as a turning point.

Jolly's campaign prioritizes addressing Florida's "affordability crisis," which he attributes to Republican policies, and advocates for significant reinvestment in public education. He also seeks to reform property tax laws to provide relief for first-time homebuyers while ensuring funding for essential services. On immigration, Jolly has criticized the conflation of immigration and crime, advocating for a balanced approach that is tough on crime but supportive of immigrant communities.

Entering a state where Republicans hold significant electoral advantages and no Democrat has won a statewide office since 2018, Jolly faces an uphill battle. His candidacy draws comparisons to former Governor Charlie Crist, another Republican-turned-Democrat who lost the 2022 gubernatorial race. However, Jolly contends his open discussion about his evolving views differentiates him, believing many voters have also changed their perspectives. He aims to build a broad coalition, acknowledging, "there are not enough Democratic votes to win the governorship."