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30-Second Take

• Former Republican Congressman David Jolly is running for governor of Florida as a Democrat.
• Jolly, a vocal critic of President Trump, announced his bid on June 5, 2025.
• He aims to address issues like affordability, public school funding, and campaign finance reform.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

David Jolly, who served as the U.S. representative for Florida’s 13th District from 2014 to 2017, has announced his candidacy for the governor of Florida as a Democrat. This move marks a significant shift for Jolly, who left the Republican Party in 2018 and later registered as a Democrat.

Core Players

• David Jolly – Former Republican Congressman, now a registered Democrat.
• President Trump – Former President and a figure Jolly has been critical of.
• Ron DeSantis – Current Republican Governor of Florida, term-limited and unable to run for reelection in 2026.

Key Numbers

• 2014 – Year Jolly was first elected to his congressional seat.
• 2018 – Year Jolly left the Republican Party to become an independent.
• 2026 – Year of the Florida gubernatorial election.
• 2 terms – Jolly served one full term and one special election term in Congress.

Full Depth

Complete Coverage

The Catalyst

David Jolly’s decision to run for governor as a Democrat is driven by his disillusionment with the Republican Party and his desire to address key issues in Florida. “I actually think Republicans in Tallahassee have gone too far in dividing us,” Jolly said. “I think we should get politicians out of the classrooms, out of the doctor’s offices.”

Jolly’s announcement comes at a time when Florida has shifted significantly to the right, and he hopes to lead a coalition of Democrats, independents, and moderate Republicans to bring about change.

Inside Forces

Jolly’s political evolution has been marked by his increasing distance from the Republican Party. He was first elected as a Republican in 2014 but left the party in 2018 due to disagreements over core issues such as marriage equality, gun control, and climate science.

As an independent and later as a registered Democrat, Jolly has built a national profile as an anti-Trump political commentator on MSNBC.

Power Dynamics

Jolly’s candidacy is significant in the context of Florida’s political landscape. With Governor Ron DeSantis term-limited and unable to run for reelection in 2026, the field is open for new contenders. Jolly’s ability to attract both Democratic and moderate Republican voters could be crucial in a state that has become increasingly conservative.

His vocal criticism of President Trump also positions him as a distinct alternative to the current political climate in Florida.

Outside Impact

Jolly’s run for governor has broader implications for Florida’s political future. His focus on issues like affordability, public school funding, and campaign finance reform resonates with a wide range of voters. This could potentially shift the political discourse in the state away from the divisive culture wars that Jolly criticizes.

The election in 2026 will also be a test of whether a former Republican can successfully run as a Democrat in a state that has trended Republican in recent years.

Future Forces

Looking ahead, Jolly’s campaign will face several challenges. He will need to build a strong coalition of supporters across different political affiliations and address the significant voter registration gap favoring Republicans in Florida.

Key areas of focus for his campaign will include:

• Affordability and economic policies
• Public school funding and education reform
• Campaign finance and ethics laws
• Healthcare and social issues

Data Points

• October 31, 1972 – David Jolly’s birthdate.
• 2014 – Year Jolly was first elected to Congress.
• 2018 – Year Jolly left the Republican Party.
• June 5, 2025 – Date of Jolly’s gubernatorial announcement.
• 2026 – Year of the Florida gubernatorial election.