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David Jolly

Democratic candidate for Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Florida · Open seat

Attorney; former U.S. Representative

David Jolly is a former Republican congressman who represented Florida's 13th District from 2014 to 2017. He later spent about six years as an independent before registering as a Democrat. He is the Democratic nominee for Florida governor in the open-seat race on November 3, 2026, with former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham as his running mate for lieutenant governor.

Where Jolly stands

Property insurance: Proposes a state-backed catastrophic or disaster fund to lower homeowners' insurance costs. His campaign says the plan would cut premiums by 60 to 70 percent.
Property taxes: Opposes Amendment 3, the property tax ballot measure. Says he understands that 'people are begging for property tax relief.'
Campaign priorities: Names housing, health care, education and opposition to data centers as his top campaign priorities.
Housing: Proposes investing in workforce and affordable housing.
Education / school choice: Supports keeping school choice under new rules. Says voucher schools should have to teach reading and offer college-prep, trades or arts classes, and should meet the same standards as public schools.
Education / teacher pay: Supports raising teacher pay. Proposes a nonpartisan task force to write a 10-year plan for public education.
Health care: Supports expanding Medicaid. Also supports expanding access to primary care through community health clinics, nonprofits and federally qualified health centers.
Abortion: Says Florida's abortion restrictions are too strict, and says he will respect the will of the voters.

Background

U.S. Representative, Florida's 13th Congressional District (R), 2014–2017
Left the Republican Party and was an independent for about six years; later registered as a Democrat
Occupation: attorney
Education: B.A. in History, Emory University (1994); J.D. cum laude, George Mason University (2001)
Residence: Indian Rocks Beach

In the news

Bill Clinton campaigns for David Jolly in Broward as Florida governor's race intensifies NBC Miami, October 21, 2026
Democratic Governors Association investing $1 million to support David Jolly Florida Phoenix, October 20, 2026
David Jolly campaigns in Eatonville as Florida governor's race addresses Black voters ClickOrlando (WKMG), October 20, 2026
Gubernatorial candidate David Jolly says Florida is ready to elect first Democratic governor in over 30 years WSVN 7News, October 19, 2026
WLRN Economy Summit: David Jolly proposes state-backed disaster insurance, opposes Amendment 3 WLRN, September 23, 2026

Also running for Governor and Lieutenant Governor

Byron Donalds Republican
Scott Eckhard Jewett Libertarian
Dean Ocean Abrams No Party Affiliation
Charles Burkett No Party Affiliation
Jeffrey Peter "Dr. Jeff" Datto No Party Affiliation
Moliere "Moe" Dimanche No Party Affiliation
Frank J. Russo No Party Affiliation

Sources

Last researched October 22, 2026. Written in neutral language from the sources above. Spot an error? See how to report it.