David Jolly argued that there was an opportunity for Democrats to capitalize on voter displeasure with the high cost of living and with Republican policies.

Democrats face a huge uphill climb in 2026 to retake Florida’s governorship for the first time in more than two decades, but David Jolly says he is up to the challenge.

Former Republican Florida Rep. David Jolly, a staunch critic of President Donald Trump, announced Thursday that he is jumping into the state’s 2026 gubernatorial race as a Democrat.