Former Republican Rep. David Jolly is considering running for Florida governor in 2026 as a Democrat, Politico reported Tuesday. Jolly stated that he expects to make a final decision on a gubernatorial bid within the next several weeks.
Jolly has long been a vocal critic of Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former President Donald Trump. Despite his potential candidacy, it remains uncertain whether he could garner enough support in a state that has increasingly favored Trump in presidential elections. In 2024, Trump won Florida with 56.1% of the vote, while former Vice President Kamala Harris secured 43%.
“It’s clear to me there is a coalition of Floridians that want change,” Jolly told Politico.
If Jolly enters the race, he will face strong competition to replace the term-limited DeSantis. Trump has already endorsed Republican Rep. Byron Donalds, who announced his candidacy in February. Additionally, Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis has hinted at a possible gubernatorial run.
Jolly served Florida’s 13th Congressional District from 2014 to 2017 and left the Republican Party in 2018, citing his opposition to Trump. He and his wife officially renounced their GOP affiliation, according to the Tampa Bay Times. Jolly has frequently criticized Trump, expressing concerns about his leadership, including an August 2024 appearance on MSNBC where he worried about his daughter growing up under a second Trump presidency.
The Democratic Party has struggled to maintain voter confidence since Harris’ defeat in the 2024 presidential election. A recent CNN/SSRS poll found that the Democratic Party’s approval rating has dropped to a record low of 29%.
The Florida gubernatorial election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
