In the Florida governor’s race, Democrat David Jolly is adopting a markedly different approach by emphasizing civility and kindness amid a highly polarized political environment. Speaking from Pembroke Pines, Jolly framed his campaign as an antidote to the combative style often associated with former President Donald Trump, likening himself to the optimistic character Ted Lasso from the popular television series. “Byron Donalds is Donald Trump, and I’m trying to be Ted Lasso,” Jolly said, positioning himself as a candidate focused on community and decency.
Jolly, a former Republican congressman who switched to the Democratic Party during the Trump era, faces an uphill battle against Republican nominee Byron Donalds, a 48-year-old congressman and strong Trump ally. Florida remains a challenging terrain for Democrats: Republicans outnumber Democrats in voter registration, and Donalds benefits from substantial financial and organizational support from the MAGA movement. Campaign finance filings show Donalds has raised over $177 million, far outpacing Jolly’s $27 million.
Despite these disparities, Jolly aims to build a coalition that extends beyond the Democratic base, emphasizing practical issues such as affordability, healthcare, education, and opposition to the rapid expansion of artificial-intelligence data centers in the state. “We’ve got politicians building ballrooms and data centers, when you just want to build a good life here in Florida,” he said in a campaign advertisement featuring him playing Uno with his family.
Jolly’s campaign deliberately steers clear of the heated culture wars that have dominated Florida politics under current Governor Ron DeSantis, who is term-limited. Instead, he draws inspiration from past Democratic governors like Bob Graham and Lawton Chiles, focusing on faith-based appeals and cross-party coalition-building. Jolly has also aligned himself with progressive state candidates such as Senate nominee Angie Nixon, highlighting a complementary rather than confrontational dynamic within the Democratic ticket.
Republican Donalds dismisses Jolly’s message of moderation as disingenuous. Speaking at the GOP convention, Donalds said, “This guy wants you to believe that he’s some kind of reasonable independent voice but don’t be fooled.” If elected, Donalds would become the first Black Republican governor in Florida since Reconstruction.
National Democrats view the race as a rare opportunity to reclaim the governor’s office in a state they have not controlled for over three decades and to potentially influence the 2028 presidential election. Former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama have both campaigned for or endorsed Jolly, with Clinton hosting a fundraiser that raised more than $3 million.
Despite Republican attempts to paint Jolly as out of step with Florida voters and criticisms over his decision to decline debates with Donalds, Jolly contends that his campaign offers a necessary alternative to the divisiveness that has characterized recent elections. “I’m trying to show that kindness and community is actually the real strength,” he said, emphasizing the high stakes for Florida’s political future amid the state’s growing influence on national elections.