By Noni Haynes
Tampa, FL -While Republican gubernatorial candidates are scarce on the campaign trail and dealing with scandals, Democratic gubernatorial hopeful David Jolly continues to sprint from New York back to South Florida, Ocala, and Tampa within three days. In New York at the Reverend Al Sharpton’s National Action Network Conference, Jolly was the only presenter who was not a potential presidential candidate. It was clear that he was doing things differently and getting results.
Apparently, Floridians are listening. A variety of polls show Jolly ahead or tied with controversial Republican front-runner Byron Donalds, a Black congressman endorsed by President Donald Trump. Jolly’s popularity is reflected in the large crowds of Whites, Hispanics, and Blacks who welcome his plans to solve problems in public schools, improve access to healthcare, and create affordable housing and insurance.
Donalds has ghosted Floridians for big-money AI donors and corporations, while Jolly darts to Florida cities and rural communities that haven’t seen a gubernatorial candidate in 30 years. Trends nationwide show that this is what voters want and the former congressman loves it. At Tampa’s St John Progressive Missionary Baptist Church Jolly delivered a passionate message of service. He recognized the courageous sacrifice of Florida civil rights leaders like Harry T Moore, the persecution of the Groveland Four, and the massacre at Rosewood, acknowledging the horrors of the past. He condemns racial oppression without hesitation, unlike most politicians who dodge the issue. He believes diversity, equity, and inclusion are strengths and are foundational to his coalition-building campaign.
“You want to redefine our national politics in a moment of division and crisis? It starts right here in the state of Florida by electing statewide Democrats,” he said. “But I’ll also tell you this: If this happens in ’26, the road to the White House runs through Florida again in ’28,” Jolly says.
David Jolly is keeping faith in coalition building and electability
