David Jolly, a former Republican congressman from Florida, is thinking about running for governor of Florida in 2026—but this time, as a Democrat. Jolly, who gained attention for criticizing former President Donald Trump, wants to offer a different kind of leadership to Florida’s divided politics.
Jolly, who served as a U.S. Representative for Florida’s 13th District from 2014 to 2017, was once a strong supporter of the Republican Party. But over time, he became frustrated with how the party was being led under Trump. In 2018, he left the GOP because he didn’t agree with Trump’s influence over the party. Since then, he has been vocal about his belief that there needs to be a shift away from extreme politics. Now, he’s looking to make that shift by running for governor of Florida.
In March 2025, Jolly announced he was seriously considering a run, following talks with Democratic leaders and community activists across the state. He believes Florida’s government needs a leader who puts the needs of all Floridians first, instead of focusing on divisive political fights. His goal is to bring people together and fix the state’s problems without letting partisanship get in the way.
If Jolly runs, he would face a tough race. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, known for his conservative views and national popularity, is expected to leave office in 2026. This opens up the race, with Republican candidates like U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds and First Lady Casey DeSantis expected to enter the race. Donalds is a close ally of Trump, while Casey DeSantis could benefit from the support of the Republican Party’s network of donors.
Jolly, running as a Democrat, would have to overcome some challenges. His past as a Republican may raise doubts among some Democratic voters. They might question whether his switch to the Democratic Party is a genuine change of heart or just a way to tap into the growing anger against the Republican Party.
But Jolly’s moderate views could help him stand out. During his time in Congress, he often broke with his party on issues like protecting the environment and managing the economy. This could appeal to voters who are tired of the extreme politics from both sides and want someone who can work with everyone, not just only one party.
Jolly has already started meeting with local leaders and grassroots organizations across the state to see if there’s enough support for his campaign. Some of the issues he plans to focus on include protecting Florida’s environment, improving healthcare, and making sure schools are well-funded.
As the race for governor heats up, Jolly’s potential run will be one to watch. He may face tough competition from the well-established Republican candidates, but his ability to connect with voters who are frustrated with the current political system could make him a strong contender. A final decision on his candidacy is expected by Memorial Day 2025.