Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly is locking up party endorsements in his attempt to become the next governor of Florida. Jolly, a former Republican, released a list Tuesday of 60 endorsements from 60 current and former Democratic officials as he looks to reshape Florida’s political landscape from Republican to Democrat.
“Kicking off the week with some big news: I’m honored to announce 60 current and former Florida state legislators and allies are endorsing my campaign for Governor,” Jolly said. “Our coalition to build a better Florida keeps growing—thank you for your support!”
The wide-ranging list includes current members of the Florida House and Senate, including Sen. Tina Polsky (D-Boca Raton), Rep. Michael Gottlieb (D-Davie), Rep. Kevin Chambliss (D-Homestead), and Rep. Dan Daley (D-Coral Springs).
Jolly also earned support from former state Reps. Tom Keen and Mike Abrams, as well as former House Speaker Pro Tempore Elaine Bloom and former North Bay Village Mayor and Miami-Dade school board member Joe Geller, who also served in the House.
While Jolly garners support from Democratic leaders, his main Republican opponent at the moment, Florida Congressman Byron Donalds, has already been endorsed by President Donald Trump and U.S. Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), as well as countless other GOP congressional leaders from Florida and across the country.
“I am proud to stand with President Trump and endorse Byron Donalds for Governor of Florida,” Scott said in a statement. “Byron is a principled conservative who will lead with courage and conviction and fight on behalf of every Floridian.”
A recent poll also showed Donalds with an early lead in the race.
And while Jolly has not received that type of high-profile endorsement, there is still plenty of time to go. For now, Jolly has leaned in on key issues affecting Floridians in an attempt to rip away GOP control in the Sunshine State and become Florida’s first Democratic governor in over 25 years.