Obama is going all the way.
Former President Barack Obama is making a late push into one of President Donald Trump’s biggest political strongholds, hoping to help Democrats pull off a major upset in Florida just days before the November 2026 midterm elections.
With Republicans firmly established in the Sunshine State, Obama is backing two Democratic candidates seeking to defeat Republicans supported by Trump.
The former president has endorsed David Jolly for Florida governor and Angie Nixon for the U.S. Senate, adding his name to an increasingly heated political battle over the state’s future.
The endorsements come as early voting begins and both parties work to mobilize supporters ahead of Election Day on November 3.
Obama Makes His Move Against Trump-Backed Republicans
Obama announced his support for Jolly in a video released Friday evening, October 23, before endorsing Nixon in another video Saturday morning.
Jolly, a former Republican congressman who later joined the Democratic Party, is challenging Republican Rep. Byron Donalds for governor.
Nixon, a progressive state lawmaker, is running against Republican Sen. Ashley Moody, who was appointed to the Senate after Marco Rubio became Trump’s secretary of state.
Both Donalds and Moody have Trump’s endorsement, putting the president and his Democratic predecessor on opposite sides of two important statewide elections.
Obama’s involvement highlights the importance Democrats are placing on Florida despite the state’s increasingly Republican political landscape.
The former president carried Florida in both 2008 and 2012, but the political environment has changed considerably since those victories.
Former Republican Receives Obama’s Support
One of the more unusual aspects of Obama’s latest political intervention involves his endorsement of Jolly.
Jolly previously served in Congress as a Republican before distancing himself from the party. He became an independent in 2019 and registered as a Democrat in 2025.
Now, he is running for governor with support from two former Democratic presidents.
Former President Bill Clinton campaigned for Jolly earlier this month, and Obama’s endorsement gives the candidate another nationally recognized supporter.
In his video message, Obama praised Jolly’s political independence and his emphasis on reducing housing and healthcare costs.
Obama also argued that Jolly would challenge powerful special interests and improve educational opportunities for Florida families.
The former president urged voters to back the Democratic nominee, declaring, “Vote for the change you deserve.”
However, Jolly faces a formidable Republican opponent in Donalds, who has developed a strong national profile as a Trump ally.
The governor’s race will determine who succeeds Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, who cannot seek another consecutive term under Florida’s term-limit rules.
Obama Also Backs Progressive Senate Candidate
Obama’s second endorsement went to Nixon, a Democratic state representative attempting to unseat Moody.
Nixon has attracted attention for her progressive positions, including support for a $15 minimum wage and opposition to Republican-led congressional redistricting efforts.
In his endorsement video, Obama highlighted Nixon’s background in community organizing and her efforts to advance policies she considers important to working families.
The former president praised her political activism and expressed confidence in her ability to serve in the Senate.
Nixon has also received backing from other prominent figures on the political left.
Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont, campaigned alongside Nixon last week.
Her support from national progressive leaders adds another dimension to a Senate contest that Republicans are working to keep in their column.
Moody, meanwhile, enters the election with Trump’s endorsement and the advantages of incumbency in a Republican-leaning state.
Florida Has Changed Dramatically Since Obama Was President
Although Florida was once considered one of America’s most competitive presidential battlegrounds, Republicans have strengthened their position over the past decade.
Trump carried Florida in the 2016, 2020 and 2024 presidential elections, winning the state by increasingly large margins.
Republicans also control the Florida Legislature and have maintained control of the governor’s office for more than two decades.
The state’s political transformation presents a substantial challenge for Democrats hoping to regain statewide influence.
Florida also has a Republican voter registration advantage exceeding 1.5 million voters, making it especially important for Democratic candidates to appeal to independents and persuade some Republicans to cross party lines.
Nevertheless, polling suggests the governor’s race may be more competitive than Republicans would prefer.
An October University of North Florida survey showed Donalds receiving 49% support compared with 47% for Jolly, a difference within the poll’s margin of error.
Other polls have shown a larger advantage for Donalds, meaning the outcome remains uncertain.
For Obama and other Democratic leaders, the possibility of a close gubernatorial contest appears to provide an opportunity worth pursuing.
Trump Responds With His Own Florida Push
Obama isn’t the only political heavyweight getting involved in Florida’s elections.
Trump traveled to Fort Myers on Friday, October 23, to rally support for Republican candidates, including Donalds and Moody.
The president’s involvement demonstrates how seriously Republicans are taking the effort to defend their position in Florida.
While Obama’s endorsements are designed to generate enthusiasm among Democratic voters, Trump’s appearances are intended to energize Republicans and encourage turnout.
The contrasting efforts also underscore the broader national implications of the midterm elections.
Republicans are seeking to preserve their influence in Washington and maintain control of key state offices.
Democrats, meanwhile, are attempting to capitalize on competitive races and rebuild their position in areas where Republican support has grown.
Will Obama’s Endorsements Make A Difference?
Obama remains an influential figure within the Democratic Party, but whether that influence can change the outcome in Florida is far from certain.
His endorsements could help Jolly and Nixon attract attention, raise campaign funds and increase Democratic turnout.
However, endorsements alone do not guarantee electoral success, especially in a state where Republicans enjoy significant organizational and voter registration advantages.
Florida voters are also weighing major issues involving the economy, housing affordability, healthcare costs, education and the direction of state government.
Those concerns could ultimately prove more important than the endorsements of current or former presidents.
For Republicans, victories by Donalds and Moody would reinforce Florida’s status as a Republican stronghold.
For Democrats, a victory in either race would represent a significant political breakthrough.
The coming days will determine whether Obama’s last-minute involvement gives Democrats a meaningful boost or whether Trump’s allies maintain their advantage.
With Election Day set for November 3, Florida voters will soon decide which direction the state takes next.