In his dreams.
TALLAHASSEE, FL — Former GOP Rep. David Jolly, now a staunch critic of President Trump, has officially thrown his hat into the Florida governor’s race—this time running as a Democrat pushing a progressive agenda.
Once Republican, Now Fully Left-Wing
Jolly, who once represented the Tampa Bay area in Congress, made headlines Thursday with his campaign launch. He promised to “move past division” and claimed to support “safe communities,” “strong schools,” and “a better economy.”
But many conservatives see this as a smokescreen for what Jolly truly represents: higher taxes, woke ideology, open borders, and anti-Trump politics.
Since leaving the Republican Party in 2018, Jolly has rebranded himself as a liberal cable news pundit, repeatedly attacking President Trump and conservative values. Now, he hopes to lead a state that overwhelmingly supports Trump’s America First vision.
Florida: A Republican Powerhouse
Jolly faces a nearly impossible battle in a state that’s become a conservative stronghold. President Trump won Florida by 13 points in 2024. Governor Ron DeSantis, also a fierce defender of conservative policies, defeated Democrat Charlie Crist in 2022 by nearly 20 points.
In recent years, Florida Republicans have flipped Democrat strongholds like Miami-Dade County and now hold a commanding lead in voter registration.
GOP Rising Star Byron Donalds Leads the Pack
On the Republican side, Congressman Byron Donalds has emerged as the clear frontrunner. With President Trump’s full endorsement and over $12 million raised in his first month, Donalds is running on a pro-freedom, pro-family, pro-Florida platform.
Donalds responded to Jolly’s campaign with a strong warning to voters:
“David Jolly is an anti-Trump radical leftist. He supports open borders, bans on school choice, higher taxes, and stripping away your Second Amendment rights. He’s completely out of touch with Florida’s values.”
“Florida is Trump Country,” Donalds added. “And I’m proud to have President Trump’s endorsement to lead this great state.”
Democrats in Disarray
Jolly is the first Democrat to enter the race, but not the only liberal in political chaos. Former State Sen. Jason Pizzo recently left the Democratic Party, declaring it “dead” on the Senate floor—and may run as an independent.
Meanwhile, rumors swirl that Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis may also join the race, adding even more energy to the Republican field.
⚠️ Bottom Line for Florida Voters:
- Jolly turned his back on conservatives
- Florida has thrived under Trump and DeSantis policies
- Voters must reject radical left agendas in 2026