Former Republican Congressman David Jolly is seriously considering a run for Florida governor in 2026 — as a Democrat, according to a new report from Politico.
Jolly, who represented Florida’s 13th Congressional District from 2014 to 2017, confirmed that he expects to make a final decision on entering the race in the coming weeks. A vocal critic of both Governor Ron DeSantis and President Donald Trump, Jolly left the Republican Party in 2018, citing a deepening ideological divide.
“I am very seriously considering a run for governor,” Jolly told Politico. “It’s clear to me there is a coalition of Floridians that want change.”
READ: Florida GOP Extends Voter Registration Lead Over Democrats, Nearing 1.2 Million Advantage
Jolly’s potential bid would shake up an already high-profile contest to replace term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is set to leave office in early 2027. But the path forward for a Democrat — particularly a former Republican — will be an uphill battle in a state that has shifted increasingly red.
In the 2024 presidential election, Florida handed Trump a decisive win, giving him 56.1% of the vote, compared to 43% for Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. Trump has now won Florida in three consecutive elections, all by growing margins.
Should Jolly jump into the race, he would likely face tough competition from Trump-endorsed Republican Rep. Byron Donalds, who officially announced his candidacy in February. Additionally, Casey DeSantis, Florida’s first lady, has publicly expressed interest in launching her own gubernatorial bid — a move that would keep the DeSantis brand firmly in Florida politics.
Jolly’s political evolution has been as public as it has been dramatic. Once a rising star in the Republican Party, he denounced the GOP in 2018, later becoming a frequent political commentator and critic of Trump-era Republicanism on MSNBC and other media outlets.
In August 2024, Jolly made headlines when he expressed concern during an interview about the prospect of his young daughter growing up under a second Trump presidency.
While some moderate Democrats may welcome his candidacy, Jolly’s Republican past could pose challenges in securing a unified Democratic base — especially as the party grapples with declining approval ratings. A recent CNN/SSRS poll showed Democratic approval at just 29%, the lowest in recent history.
READ: Trump Pardons Former Hunter Biden Business Partner Devon Archer
Florida’s gubernatorial election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, and the race is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests in the nation. With the GOP poised to hold its ground and the Democratic Party in search of a fresh direction, Jolly’s entry — if confirmed — could test the appetite for political reinvention in the Sunshine State.
Whether Floridians are ready to embrace a former Republican as the face of Democratic change remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: David Jolly is no longer just on the sidelines.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
