Jolly Says FL Dems Can't Presume They've Won 'Hearts and Minds' After Recent Wins

Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly says his party needs to court independents and Republicans to win in November.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:39pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic interior scene with muted colors and long shadows, depicting an empty political campaign office or debate stage, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the challenges facing a Democratic candidate in Florida.In a politically divided Florida, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate seeks to build a broad coalition to overcome the party's registration deficit.Palm Beach Today

Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly says his party needs to court independents and Republicans to win in November, even after recent upset legislative victories by Democrats in Hillsborough and Palm Beach counties. Jolly says Democrats need to lead a coalition strong enough to bring in voters from across the political spectrum, and not presume they've already won over 'hearts and minds' just by winning votes.

Why it matters

Jolly's comments highlight the challenges Democrats face in Florida, where they have a significant voter registration deficit. To win statewide, Jolly believes Democrats need to attract support from independents and even some Republicans, not just energize their base. This strategy could be crucial in a close gubernatorial race against the Republican front-runner.

The details

Jolly spoke to several hundred supporters in West Tampa, thanking any Republicans or independents in attendance and telling them 'we need you.' Recent polls show Jolly trailing the Republican front-runner Byron Donalds by just 5 points, a closer margin than other Democratic candidates. Jolly laid out policy proposals including creating a state catastrophic fund for hurricane coverage, providing targeted homestead exemptions, raising teacher pay through the Tourist Development Tax, and capping profits for investor-owned utilities.

  • Last week, Democrats flipped 30 Republican-held legislative seats around the country since Trump's second inauguration in 2025.
  • An Economist/YouGov poll released this week shows just 34% of Americans view congressional Democrats favorably.

The players

David Jolly

The Democratic gubernatorial candidate in Florida who is actively courting independent and Republican voters to build a winning coalition.

Byron Donalds

The Republican gubernatorial front-runner in Florida who Jolly is trailing by 5 points in recent polling.

Jerry Demings

The other major Democratic candidate in the Florida gubernatorial primary, who trails Donalds by 9 points in the same poll.

Andrew Warren

The former Hillsborough County Democratic State Attorney who introduced Jolly and argued that 'after nearly a decade of Tallahassee's dysfunction,' Florida deserves a change.

Ron DeSantis

The current Republican governor of Florida who removed Andrew Warren from office in 2022.

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What they’re saying

“'Let's not fool ourselves. As Democrats, we need to lead a coalition strong enough to bring in independents and Republicans in a moment when people are screaming for change and begging for change.'”

— David Jolly, Democratic gubernatorial candidate

“'Let's not presume that we have already won hearts and minds. We have won votes. We have to demonstrate we're worthy of the public trust that is heading our way.'”

— David Jolly, Democratic gubernatorial candidate

“'For eight years, there has been a cancer in Tallahassee. David Jolly is the cure.'”

— Andrew Warren, Former Hillsborough County Democratic State Attorney

What’s next

Jolly will face off against Jerry Demings in the Democratic gubernatorial primary in August. The winner will then take on the Republican front-runner Byron Donalds in the general election in November.

The takeaway

Jolly's strategy of actively courting independent and Republican voters could be crucial in a close Florida gubernatorial race, where Democrats face a significant voter registration deficit. His policy proposals also aim to address key issues like property taxes, insurance, and education funding that could resonate with a broad coalition of voters.