Former GOP Congressman Jolly Aims to Rally Democrats and Republicans in Florida Governor Race

Jolly pitches himself as a coalition-builder who can win over frustrated Republicans as well as Democrats.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:20pm

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A solitary, pensive figure standing alone in a dimly lit, empty government office, the scene bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of political uncertainty and transition.As a former Republican congressman turned Democratic gubernatorial candidate, David Jolly's unorthodox strategy of appealing to both parties reflects the shifting political landscape in Florida.Today in Orlando

David Jolly, the Democratic candidate for Florida governor, told an audience in downtown Orlando that electing Democrats to the state's top offices would make Florida nationally relevant again. Jolly positioned himself as a coalition-builder who can appeal to both frustrated Republicans and Democrats.

Why it matters

Florida is a crucial swing state, and the governor's race could have major implications for the state's political landscape and national influence. Jolly's strategy of reaching across the aisle to attract both Democratic and Republican voters could be a path to victory in the closely divided state.

The details

Jolly, a former Republican congressman, is running as a Democrat for Florida governor. He told the Orlando audience that electing Democrats would make Florida a national leader again, in contrast to the state's current Republican-led government. Jolly pitched himself as someone who can build coalitions and win over frustrated Republicans as well as Democrats.

  • Jolly made these comments at a campaign event in downtown Orlando on April 17, 2026.

The players

David Jolly

A former Republican congressman who is now the Democratic candidate for Florida governor.

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What they’re saying

“Electing Democrats to Florida's top offices would make the state nationally relevant again.”

— David Jolly, Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate

What’s next

Jolly will continue campaigning across Florida, seeking to appeal to both Democrats and disaffected Republicans ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election.

The takeaway

Jolly's strategy of building a coalition across party lines could be a path to victory in the closely divided state of Florida, but it remains to be seen whether he can successfully attract both Democratic and Republican voters.