Latest news with #DavidJolly
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former Republican congressman turned Democrat announces bid for Florida governor
Florida has not elected a Democratic governor in the 21st century, but there have been some close calls. Could a former Republican turned Democrat have a shot? Former Rep. David Jolly, who hopes to turn the Democrats' dreary luck around, joins "The Takeout" to discuss his run for governor.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former U.S. Representative from Tampa Bay announces bid for Florida governor in 2026
Former Tampa Bay Congressman David Jolly announced this week that he's running for Florida governor in 2026. During his announcement, Jolly noted that this is a real-life experience for our family and millions of Floridians. Let's put an end to the politics of division and bring Florida back to voters who want a thriving economy, top-notch education, safe communities and a government that respects family choices. According to Jolly, what all Floridians are looking for is action on the practical concerns that matter most to them. These include skyrocketing property insurance premiums, rising housing costs, access to quality schools, and safer communities. Among Jolly's initial proposals, which he'll be expanding on during the campaign: · Creating a state catastrophe fund to lower property insurance costs and make housing more affordable for homeowners, renters, and retirees. · Dramatically investing in public education while revamping a state voucher program likely to collapse financially, ensuring that private schools accepting vouchers provide the same specialized services as public schools and are held just as accountable for their academic performance. · Implementing new gun safety measures that will both reduce gun violence and protect the rights of legal gun owners. Jolly continues, 'We can fight crime without fighting communities. We can champion the Democratic values of an economy where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, and we can create a government that actually serves seniors, veterans, and those in need. At the same time, we can protect individual freedoms and lift all Floridians regardless of where you live, who you worship, or who you love.' Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Politics
- Forbes
Former GOP Rep David Jolly Explains Why He Joined FL Gov Race As A Dem & Why He Won't Bring Up Trump
Former Congressman David Jolly, who served in Congress as a Republican, is now running for governor of Florida as a Democrat. Jolly joined Brittany Lewis on "Forbes Newsroom" to discuss his campaign. Watch the full interview above.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former Rep. David Jolly announces bid for Florida governor
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Former Rep. David Jolly announced Thursday that he is entering the Florida governor's race. Jolly previously represented Florida District 13 from 2014 to 2017 as a Republican. However, in the governor's race, Jolly will run as a Democratic candidate. 'Let's end the politics of division and return Florida to voters who simply want an economy that works, the best education system in the world, safe communities, and a government that stays out of their doctors' offices and family decisions,' Jolly said in a news release. 'This is a different type of issues-driven, results-focused campaign, and it will be driven not by anger and division but by optimism and solutions,' Jolly said. 'We are building a new coalition of Floridians who deeply care about their state and are desperate for real answers to real problems that are putting our quality of life at risk.' Jolly is the first Democrat to enter the Florida governor's race. U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett and State Sen. Jason Pizzo have already thrown their hats into the race. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Reaction pours in after Jolly announces run for governor
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Former Rep. David Jolly has announced he's running for Florida governor. The Dunedin native served as a member of Congress as a Republican from 2014 to 2017. He left the party in 2018 and recently registered as a Democrat. 'Is it okay to change your mind? I think it should be. I think more politicians should change their mind. I think the question is when we see politicians who change values. My values have been the same,' Jolly said. One of Jolly's goals is to help make it easier for Floridians to be able to live and spend money in the Sunshine State. 'I'm running because I think we are in the midst of an affordability crisis,' Jolly said One of his ideas involves a plan, he said, that would reduce the amount families pay for property insurance. Florida budget talks extended, final plan still pending 'Florida needs a state catastrophic fund. If we remove hurricane coverage, natural disaster coverage from the private market, put it into a state catastrophic fund, we can reduce private property insurance, homeowners' insurance, by up to 60%,' Jolly said. There continues to be a push to expand access to abortion and legalize recreational marijuana. Despite both ballot measures failing to cross the 60% threshold needed to pass, Jolly said lawmakers in Tallahassee should've filed and enacted legislation to honor the majority of voters. Jolly's platform also includes a plan to reduce gun violence. 'We need comprehensive and universal background checks. We need to improve the Parkland package. My republican opponent right now wants to roll back the Parkland package,' Jolly said. In a statement, gubernatorial candidate and Rep. Byron Donalds, who's endorsed by President Donald Trump, said, in part: 'David Jolly is a failed politician, lobbyist, and MSNBC commentator. Soon, he'll be able to add failed Gubernatorial candidate to his resume.' Jolly is a strong critic of Trump. State Sen. Jason Pizzo, who is running under No Party Affiliation, said: 'Nice guy. No chance.' Jolly does not see a pathway to the governor's mansion for any candidate who runs as an Independent. New Florida law requires restaurants to reveal 'hidden' fees There continues to be speculation involving First Lady Casey DeSantis and Attorney John Morgan to enter the race. St. Pete College Political Science Professor Tara Newsom weighed in on Jolly's candidacy. 'David Jolly might be the right messenger with the right message for the Democratic Party. His message that Floridians are tired of the culture wars and that the next gubernatorial campaign isn't about the MAGA movement but about the affordability issues,' Newsom said. Jolly understands he has to reach across party lines to win. 'If David Jolly can make the case that he switched parties out of principle, not politics, that will resonate with those independent voters,' Newsom said. The Republican Gubernatorial Association called Jolly a flip-flopper over switching parties and likened him to Former Gov. and Rep. Charlie Crist. The Florida Democratic Party doesn't make endorsements ahead of the primary. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
