‘Republicans have created it’: Trump critic David Jolly switches parties to tackle Florida’s affordability crisis as governor

Former Republican Representative David Jolly has officially filed his candidacy for Florida governor, entering the race as a Democrat after switching parties in April. The well-known Trump critic will attempt to replace term-limited Governor Ron DeSantis in what is expected to be a challenging three-way battle, including Republican and independent candidates.

According to Politico, Jolly, who served one term as a GOP representative from Pinellas County near Tampa, faces an uphill battle in a state that has shifted significantly to the right. Florida, once a prime swing state, was won by Donald Trump by 13 points in 2024, highlighting the increasingly conservative nature of the political landscape.

“Republicans have created it,” Jolly said about Florida’s affordability crisis, which he cites as his primary reason for running. “They’re not doing anything about it, and we will. And that message in every corner of the state, in every conversation, is what resonates.”

Jolly outlines plans to address Florida’s key challenges

If elected, Jolly plans to expand Medicaid for low-income Floridians and substantially reinvest in public education. He also intends to reverse DeSantis-era laws that protect the governor’s travel and visitors’ log from public scrutiny. While agreeing with DeSantis on the need for property tax reform, Jolly opposes the governor’s complete tax repeal proposal, emphasizing the importance of maintaining funding for safety and education services.

The former representative enters a race where Republican Representative Byron Donalds, who has already raised $12 million in his first month of campaigning and has Trump’s endorsement, stands as the only major Republican candidate. Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis is also considering entering the race.

Rather than launching a formal campaign kickoff, Jolly has opted to continue his listening tour across Florida, having already conducted more than a dozen town halls. His campaign strategy includes reaching out to traditionally Democratic-avoiding areas, including agricultural communities and faith groups, to discuss immigration laws and policy issues.

Acknowledging the significant 1.3 million active voter deficit Democrats face compared to Republicans, Jolly emphasizes the need to build a broad coalition that appeals to independents and some Republicans. He distinguishes himself from former Republican-turned-Democrat Charlie Crist by openly acknowledging his evolution on issues such as abortion, climate change, and firearms, stating that he has changed his mind rather than arguing that the party changed.