Former Republican Rep. Launches Florida Governor Campaign As a Democrat: 'Different Candidate'

A former Republican lawmaker has launched a Democratic campaign to be the next governor of Florida, seeking to appeal to a broad coalition of voters in a state that has become solidly Republican over the past years.

Speaking to Axios, David Jolly said this is a "different race, different cycle, different candidate." "This is a race with national implications, because if we win, we will have transformed national politics," he added.

Jolly is the first candidate to officially launch his bid as Democrat, the outlet added, noting that he could be the most high-profile candidate to do so after Rep. Jared Moskowitz declined to run.

The decision counters a trend seen in the state recently, with some Florida Democrats shifting to the Republican Party or to No Party Affiliation. State Senate Minority Leader Jason Pizzo recently changed his registration to No Party Affiliation, claiming that Democrats in Florida are "dead" and criticizing political partisanship.

Doral Vice Mayor Maureen Porras moved to the Republican Party in January, citing the need for strong leadership and claiming the Democratic Party no longer represented her values or those of the majority of Americans, specifically criticizing its focus on "minority opinions" over broader community issues.

Additionally, Florida State Representatives Hillary Cassel and Susan Valdes both left the Democratic Party in December. Cassel cited frustration with the party's stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict and its perceived tolerance of "extreme progressive voices," while Valdes expressed frustration with party leadership.

However, Jolly said he is capable of appealing to "independents and common sense Republicans" and avoid the fate of former Rep. Charlie Crist, who also left the party to challenge Gov. Ron DeSantis, ultimately losing by almost 20 percentage points.

The Republican field, in turn, is already taking shape. U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, who has received an endorsement from President Donald Trump, is considered a front-runner. Casey DeSantis, wife of Gov. DeSantis, has also shown interest in succeeding her husband. However, her potential candidacy has been affected by investigations into the alleged misuse of $10 million in federal Medicaid settlement funds, some of which reportedly flowed through Hope Florida, an organization linked to her.

Former Rep. Matt Gaetz is also reportedly considering a run for the governorship. Gaetz, who left Congress amidst sexual misconduct allegations and a House Ethics panel report accusing him of paying for sex and using drugs, views a crowded Republican primary as a potential path to victory, believing he could win the nomination with approximately 30% of the vote.