Anti-Trump former Republican David Jolly considers run for Florida governor

[tulipsandroses]

David Jolly, the former representative whose sharp disagreements with President Donald Trump led him to leave the Republican Party, is considering running for governor of Florida.

Jolly is weighing whether to enter the race as a Democrat despite Republicans building a formidable advantage in the once-swing state under Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis.

“I am very seriously considering a run for governor,” Jolly said, specifying he would likely make a final decision within the next six to eight weeks after meeting with Democrats over the course of the last year. “It’s clear to me there is a coalition of Floridians that want change.”

Jolly is contemplating his next move as Trump has already endorsed Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) for the job. Florida first lady Casey DeSantis is also weighing a bid in the GOP primary.

https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/25/ex-republican-anti-trump-david-jolly-considers-run-for-florida-governor-00246590

[tritsofme]

1. Very skeptical, seems like a Crist reboot, but nothing seems to work there.

Might be as good as anyone.

[GoreWon2000]

7. Crist was in Jeb's cabinet when 2000 coup happened

I don't think voters liked having someone so close to Jeb during the 2000 coup now running as a dem. Jolly might not have that election theft baggage.

[hlthe2b]

2. I think that could be good... As a never-Trumper former Republican, he might get some non-MAGA R votes

He is at least sane and not an amoral, immoral a'hole.

[tulipsandroses]

6. I think he could pull it off. I think the timing is right. All the disaffected trump voters that are now being hurt by

trump policies may be inclined to vote for him. MAGA will be MAGA - trump will smear him as a RINO.
I don't know if Dems have a viable candidate. Jolly appears to be a decent man , is not a bigot and will follow the law and uphold the constitution.
I am OK with that.

[Quakerfriend]

3. Awesome news! We need to turn FL blue again.

- Not sure that’s even possible, at this point.
But, it would be nice. 😉

[Bev54]

4. Why not run as an independent?

[hlthe2b]

5. Resources?

It is hard to run without one of the two "working" parties representing you. Maine Senate, yeah. Vermont Senate? yeah. But elsewhere statewide offices are rarely held by independents. Only five governorships this century per Wiki:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_third-party_and_independent_United_States_state_governors

[LessAspin]

8. Good 👍

Frankly I have been a little surprised at how little push back Trump has gotten from GOPers.

Kinzinger and Cheney have been good about speaking out but they stopped short of switching parties and running for office.

Murkowski of Alaska is another one I hoped would have said enough is enough with Treasonous Trump and switch parties.

So good for Jolly if he does it