ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - A former Republican is the first major Democrat to enter Florida’s 2026 race for governor. David Jolly represented Pinellas County as a GOP U.S. Representative from 2014-2017.

He was an outspoken critic of President Trump who cited changes in both parties in his decision to run as a Democrat, as well as his principles as a centrist.

What they're saying:

I'm for lower corporate taxes because I think it leads to greater economic growth. But I'm more for gun safety legislation because I think that reduces violence in our state," Jolly said.

Jolly acknowledged the statistical disadvantages of running as a Democrat in Florida, where active Republican voters increasingly outnumber Democrats, and Republicans have dominated in campaign fundraising. He hopes to succ

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