News Summary
David Jolly, a former Republican congressman, is hosting a fundraiser in St. Petersburg for his 2026 gubernatorial campaign. The event, featuring prominent political figures, encourages donations and aims to unite moderate voters amidst Florida’s political landscape. Jolly, now a Democrat, focuses on affordability issues while facing competition from potential challengers in the upcoming election.
St. Petersburg to Host David Jolly’s Fundraiser for 2026 Gubernatorial Campaign
St. Petersburg is set to welcome David Jolly, a former Republican congressman, as he hosts a fundraiser for his 2026 gubernatorial campaign on Friday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The event will be held at Grand Central Brewing and promises to gather key supporters and political figures.
Among the notable hosts of the event are former St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman, former state Representative Ben Diamond, Ruth’s List CEO Christina Diamond, lawyer Joe Saunders, and prominent LGBTQ+ activist Ed Lally along with his partner Phil Dinkins. Suggested donations for the event include options ranging from $250 for “guest” status to $10,000 for those wishing to chair the event. Although Jolly’s campaign can only accept a maximum donation of $3,000 per individual, his political committee, Florida 2026, is permitted to accept larger contributions.
Campaign Highlights and Voter Appeal
Rick Kriseman has publicly praised Jolly, emphasizing his comprehension of Florida’s affordability challenges, which encompass critical issues such as property insurance, auto insurance, and public education funding. Jolly aims to attract moderate voters and disenchanted Republicans in a state where the Republican Party maintains a voter registration advantage of over 1 million.
After leaving the Republican Party in 2018 due to dissatisfaction with Donald Trump’s policies, Jolly registered as a Democrat in April 2025. His campaign emphasizes property tax relief, property insurance reforms, educational choice, and affordable healthcare. Current electoral statistics indicate that Democrats constitute less than 32% of Florida voters, while Republicans represent over 38%; nonpartisan voters account for more than 27% of the electorate.
Competitive Landscape and Funding
As of now, David Jolly remains the only mainstream Democrat in the gubernatorial race. However, potential challengers, including Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, U.S. Representative Jared Moskowitz, and state Senator Shevrin Jones, are rumored to be considering candidacies. Additionally, state Senator Jason Pizzo, a former Democrat, intends to run as an independent, which could add complexity to the Democratic primary.
Jolly’s political committee has garnered nearly $489,000 in contributions, and his campaign currently has around $550,000 available. Despite these figures, he is significantly trailing behind Republican U.S. Representative Byron Donalds, who has amassed nearly $22.6 million in funds for his campaign.
Context of the 2026 Election Environment
The political landscape for the 2026 Florida governor’s race appears tumultuous. Recent polling reveals that many voters are currently unfamiliar with Jolly and other significant candidates. The last Democrat to secure victory in a Florida gubernatorial race did so in 1994, and subsequent elections have largely favored the Republican Party, leading to substantial GOP wins.
David Jolly has expressed confidence in building a coalition of voters eager for change, noting that affordability issues stand out as a primary concern among Floridians. His unique positioning as a moderate Democrat could appeal to a segment of the electorate seeking pragmatic solutions to the state’s mounting challenges.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Florida Politics: David Jolly Fundraiser
- Wikipedia: David Jolly
- Florida Phoenix: Jolly Considering Run
- Google Search: David Jolly Florida Governor
- The Capitolist: Jolly Endorsements
- Google News: David Jolly
- Tallahassee.com: Poll on Florida Voters
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
