Candidate for Florida Governor. Dad, Husband. Former Congressman, fifth-generation Floridian. Let's start Florida's next chapter today.

After a big night for New Jersey and Virginia, it’s clear: Florida is next. Democrats across the nation are lifting everyone up, one day and one fight at a time.
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I’m Democrat David Jolly, and I’m launching my campaign today for Governor of Florida. Our state is in crisis — not just a crisis of policy, not right versus left, but a crisis of right versus wrong. It doesn’t have to be this way.
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I have some big news to share: Our campaign just released the latest poll of the Florida Governor’s race – and we’re in the lead. We knew we could put Florida in play this cycle, and now we have proof.
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This is huge: our new poll shows that we are leading the Florida Governor’s race. It’s clear: Floridians want a brighter future for our state. We can win, but I need your help. Donate, volunteer or share our message. Get involved now. davidjolly.com/
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Something big is happening in Florida: more than 2000 people have signed up so far to volunteer with our campaign. Today, we’re announcing an effort to organize in EVERY county in Florida.
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Vaccines protect kids, families, and schools from outbreaks of preventable diseases. Florida's Surgeon General is undermining Florida's public health. He should be fired.
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The next Governor gets to fire this guy. I know I would. Hopefully Byron Donalds or Paul Renner would do the same.
BREAKING: Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo just said the state is going to eliminate ALL vaccine mandates. “Every last one of them is wrong and drips with disdain and slavery,” he said. Story tk for @OrlandoSentinel:
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Great time at Cracker Barrel today. Let private companies make their own decisions. God bless 'em. While other candidates waste our time with logo changes, I'm focused on reducing your homeowners insurance, funding education, and fighting crime but not communities. Join us.
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It's happening right before our eyes. The cabinet and the Congress could do something about it, but they won't. We're in perilous times defined by an historic failure of our Republican political leaders. The courts and the ballot box remain our only strategy.
Trump says he is authorizing military to use ‘Full Force’ in Portland ow.ly/AiCz106mStG
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I’m honored to have @Fred_Guttenberg’s support. Florida is ready for a change.
GO @davidjollyfl GO!!! Florida needs your leadership.
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On just 36 hours’ notice, more than 70 Floridians showed up in Panama City to talk about the future of our state. People are hungry for change.
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As Governor, I will fight crime, not communities. My statement on Alligator Alcatraz:
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I’ve dedicated my life to building a better Florida. There will be challenges in months ahead, but I know we can take them on together.
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This is the best chance we’ve had to elect a Democratic Florida Governor in the last 30 years. It’s time for us to join together and win next November. It was a pleasure to speak at the Clay County Democratic Party earlier this week and share our vision for Florida’s future.
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This new poll makes it clear: we’re in striking distance of winning this race. There’s a massive shift happening in our state. I see it everywhere I go. After decades of one-party Republican rule, we have an enormous opportunity to deliver the change Floridians need.
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Thank you for the outpouring of support we’ve received since launching our campaign for Florida Governor yesterday.
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I’m honored to announce that 40 leaders from Broward County have endorsed my campaign for Governor and our coalition for change. I’m ready to take this momentum and continue to build our base, mobilize voters, and create a brighter future for Florida. floridapolitics.com/archives…
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Laura and I are raising our family in Pinellas County, where I previously served in Congress. I'm a fifth-generation Floridian who believes our state is going in the wrong direction. I'm running for Governor as a Democrat because I know we can do better.
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Florida Republicans plan to join Texas in rigging our Congressional maps. This is an attack on representative democracy. As Governor, I will veto partisan gerrymandered maps. If you’re with me in this fight, pitch in to our campaign right now.
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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. Our coalition to build a better Florida keeps growing—thank you for your support!
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Don’t write Florida off. We can win this—we just need to stand firm in our values and stand up for each other. Thanks for stopping by @AndyBeshearKY! politico.com/newsletters/flo…
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We’ve had Republican control for over two decades. Florida is ready for change. I’m running for Governor to bring that change to Floridians throughout the state.
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A great day in The Villages! Thank you to The Villages Democratic Club for hosting our 3rd visit to such a special part of the state. We'll be back often!
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Hey folks. One of the things I've pledged to do as Florida Governor is bring back science, and data, and public health, vaccines and all the other breakthroughs that have contributed to human progress. Keep your kids safe. Consider joining our campaign.
Trump is yelling about tylenol again:
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Finishing the day in Charlotte County, speaking with voters about the cost of insurance, rent, utilities - and ending the culture wars in Florida once and for all! Join us. Be a part of change. Head to davidjolly.com.
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The real question is what is Byron Donalds willing to do to save kids' lives? I've made clear I'm willing to try, and I think that's what Florida's families want. Byron seems willing to sell Florida's kids out to the gun lobby. As Governor, I won't.
🎥🎥 NEW AD: Florida Democrat David Jolly wants to take away your Second Amendment rights ⬇️⬇️
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Florida is fortunate to be home to one of the largest veteran populations in the US. But federal cuts of services have left them without support. As Governor, I would lead Florida in filling the gap of national critical services for those who have served our nation.
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$1 million raised. In just a few weeks, over 2,000 people have donated to our campaign & Florida 2026, the committee supporting our race for Governor. I am full of gratitude for each & every one of them, & inspired by so many Floridians demanding change. politico.com/newsletters/flo…
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Florida Republicans just made their plan clear: they plan to join Texas in rigging our Congressional maps.
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Are you ready to build a better future for Florida? I’m running for Governor to make Florida an affordable home for everyone. I know there’s a brighter future ahead—and I hope you can help me build it. If you’re ready for change in Florida, share this post.
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Tallahassee politicians have made Florida a home for the rich and the reckless. Together, we can make it a home for everyone. I want to be Governor for all Floridians, not just the wealthy.
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We have a real chance to break the status quo in Tallahassee this cycle.
Former GOP Congressman David Jolly switches parties, launches Democrat bid for Florida governor—first serious challenger since 1994 to break Republican grip. bit.ly/3SFZcBc
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No Governor should deploy their state's National Guard to support Trump's armed patrols of American cities. Instead, let's attack crime by demanding the GOP Congress restore Trump's funding cuts for law enforcement. Time to fight crime, not communities. cnn.com/2025/08/22/politics/…
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When you have the chance to change the world, you take it. Next November, the story will be that we created a movement so strong it couldn’t be stopped. And that, for the first time in 30 years, Florida voters chose a new direction.
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More danger from Florida's Surgeon General this morning. But he's not the real problem. The real problem is Ron DeSantis, Byron Donalds, Jay Collins, and Paul Renner who represent a coalition of Republican leaders ready to empower this danger, to continue this danger - ready to risk lives and public health to chase extreme right wing MAGA politics. It's even too much for President Trump, but Florida's GOP leaders just don't care. I side with Florida's families, who are best protected by science, public health, and yes, vaccines. I also side with the @FloridaMedical Association, with physicians, with research scientists, with teachers and educators, and frankly common sense. Ladapo should be fired. But let's defend Florida together from reckless weak politicians. Let's stop DeSantis, Donalds, Collins, and Renner from doing further damage. Join us.
Tapper: Before you made your decision to lift vaccine mandates, did you do any data analysis? Florida Surgeon General Ladapo: "Absolutely not. There's a conflation of the science and what is the right and wrong thing to do...I don't need to do an analysis on that." Tapper: "So you're lifting the vaccine mandate in Florida and your department did not even do a projection as to how this could impact public choice?" Florida Surgeon General Ladapo: "It's an issue of right and wrong."
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Byron Donalds would make us less safe as Governor. He would endanger Florida's children. But worse, he's risking lives right now by validating DeSantis and Ladapo because he's too worried about his own GOP primary. He's weak. Fire Ladapo. Protect our kids. Join our campaign.
President Trump has done a great job bringing the MAHA conversation forward. I believe parents should be empowered to make vaccination decisions for their children.
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My deepest thanks to my friend and Congresswoman @GwenGraham, Secretary @DonnaShalala, and Congresswoman Karen L. Thurman for their endorsements of our campaign.
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Today, we remember with heartbreak the tragedy of Pulse Nightclub. We grieve together as a state, and we commit to a better Florida where everyone is lifted up and embraced, and free from preventable gun violence.
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I know Floridians are looking for change. We’re in the midst of an affordability crisis, and the same old policies aren’t working. Join our coalition for a brighter future. floridianpress.com/2025/06/d…
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Replying to @EvanPower
Oh, dear Evan. I welcome your introduction of fraud into this race. You see, when you have nothing to hide, transparency and honesty always works. But if you're a GOP Senator who pleads the fifth, a GOP Governor under scrutiny for Medicaid fraud, a GOP President found liable for fraud, or say a GOP candidate with multiple campaign accounts, or one transacting business with the state, well transparency and sunlight is a little trickier. I'm sure you understand. Welcome to the conversation.
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We're unifying to win! Thanks to the @pbpost for covering a week of great momentum for our campaign.
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We have an affordability crisis in the state that has people from all walks of life questioning whether or not they can continue to live in Florida. That’s unacceptable. I’m running to fix it. miamiherald.com/news/politic…
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Florida is home to remarkable ecosystems, waterways, and coastlines. We should accept the science of climate change, protect our beaches and state parks, and invest in resiliency throughout the state.
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The race for Florida Governor is about change vs. more of the same. We have an affordability crisis in Florida. We're ready for change. Appreciate you having me on @DanaBashCNN.
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The affordability crisis in Florida is our number one issue. It was created (and ignored by) Republicans. I’m running for Governor to fix this issue for people all across the state.
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We need to reinvest and celebrate public education. As Governor, I will push for more public schools, in more neighborhoods, with teachers who are paid more. It’s that simple.
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Florida Republicans just got a heavyweight primary fight in the race for Governor. For Florida and national Democrats, now is our time to unify our race. We can win the Florida Governorship and deliver real change to our state and to our nation. I know we can. Join us today.
Paul Renner enters Florida governor’s race, taking on Trump-backed Byron Donalds politi.co/4p6FoWv via @politico
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Over the past few weeks, I've had the opportunity to visit with many remarkable individuals and their families. Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are one of our most overlooked communities in Florida. It's wrong and it needs to change. Florida ranks near the bottom in providing essential services to our IDD community. Under Gov. Bush, the waitlist for services was eliminated. Under the current Administration, it's back to over 10 years for many families. Managed care is too often being pushed as a way to hide a reduction in benefits. Service providers are unable to keep up with wage inflation and other costs. Providing for these incredible Floridians and their families requires a renewed commitment by the next Governor and our legislature. It's a commitment I have made. I call on all candidates in this race to do the same. Thank you to Matt and Jadene, and so many others for your friendship and counsel. Let's do this together.
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More of the same?! More of the same soaring costs of living? More of the same corruption? More culture wars? After 30 years of Republican control in Tallahassee, Florida is ready for change. wptv.com/news/state/rep-byro…
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I believe in a new vision for Florida’s future – building a coalition of voters across the Sunshine State who know we can do better.
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I’m chasing big ideas and big solutions and working to build a coalition across party lines. My focus is on solving Florida’s affordability crisis and creating a state where all are welcome and celebrated. axios.com/local/tampa-bay/20…
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The affordability crisis hits everybody and every community. I’m running for Governor to fix this crisis and provide relief to Floridians struggling to afford to live.
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Starting Saturday strong in SW Florida. Thanks to everyone building this coalition together. Join us!
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Whether you own or rent a home, the rising costs of property insurance and property taxes are crushing Floridians everywhere. I’ve got a plan to bring costs down and tackle the affordability crisis head-on. Thanks for having me, @WMBBTV. mypanhandle.com/news/local-n…
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We had the first town hall tonight of 4 days of barnstorming through southwest Florida. It was a great night in Venice. Come join us on the trail!
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In the midst of an affordability crisis, Republicans just passed a bill that will do nothing to help Americans with that crisis — in fact, it will make things more expensive while giving a tax break to the ultra wealthy — exactly the opposite of what Floridians need.
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Florida should be a home for all: regardless of race, creed, or color, and regardless of who you love, who you worship, or where you were born. This race is about building a Florida that celebrates and uplifts us all.
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Republican leaders said this would be the year of affordability, but they've had two decades to help Floridians afford their day-to-day lives. Florida deserves a brighter future, and policies that will give their pocketbooks breathing room. miamiherald.com/news/politic…
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Another great town hall event! Thank you, Wimauma!
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Tired of the chaos? Want real change? It’s time for new leaders focused on what actually matters – starting with the affordability crisis.
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I believe in public education and I want Florida’s public education to be the best in the world. We need more public schools, in more neighborhoods, with more teachers who are paid more. If you believe in saving public education, join our coalition. floridianpress.com/2025/08/j…
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Not at all, Mr. Chairman. I just think for myself. Group think is why I left the GOP. My very best to you.
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The nation is screaming for change. We can meet this moment, we can build a winning coalition, and we can make real changes in the Sunshine State. Join us.
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Replying to @Mdixon55
Hi Matt. I presume this is a reach for humor. If not, it’s inaccurate and I hope you will correct your statement. If helpful, I’ve traveled today from Pensacola to Panama City to Tallahassee in a GMC Terrain.
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The first poll is out TODAY in the Florida Governor’s contest — and even this Republican pollster shows us in a near statistical tie within single digits of our likely GOP opponent, less than 6 months after the Republicans won Florida by 13 points.
NEW POLL: @ByronDonalds leads @DavidJollyFL in the race for Florida Governor. 36.7% - Byron Donalds (R) 31.4% - David Jolly (D) 31.9% - Undecided Read the full report: irp.cdn-website.com/07e08705…
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I believe the economy should work for everyone, and that government has a responsibility to stand with people in need – storm victims, seniors, families, and those too often left behind. If you agree, join our coalition.
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Do you believe in Florida’s future? I do. The Sunshine State deserves better: to be affordable, to invest in schools, to put doctors in charge of healthcare decisions. Do you want to be part of a brighter Florida? Join me: davidjolly.com/
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Thank you to everyone who came out in Jupiter last night. Florida’s ready for change. It’s why I got into this race, and why I’m excited to work alongside those who know a better Florida is within reach.
Thank you ⁦@davidjollyfl⁩ and ⁦@SimonWDC⁩ for a wonderful evening in Jupiter, Florida. We are ready for change. You got this 👊👊
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Byron Donalds and Ron DeSantis are teaming up to push health care plans that reduce access for Florida’s families. They're wrong. We should expand Medicaid, support ACA tax credits, and save our rural hospitals.
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I want to start with values: I’m focused on building a coalition that lifts up every Floridian. Our values inform our policy: building a government that works and serves our citizens.
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James Carville always calls it like he sees it. The truth is, we’ve got an affordability crisis in Florida that our current leadership refuses to solve. We’re offering solutions for every corner of this state, and we’re going to win this race. Join us! davidjolly.com/
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In an affordability crisis, Florida's new budget includes unlimited tax relief for firearm purchases, but caps relief for clothes and shoes at $100. Some things aren't right vs left; they're right vs wrong. Thank you Sen @TinaPolsky for your leadership. sun-sentinel.com/2025/07/08/…
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A Democrat can win this election. We’re in the midst of a national change environment, and voters are realizing the incumbent class is not paying attention to the issues at hand. I’m building a coalition around Democratic values. Join me?
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“We have the same coverage that we had, we’re paying double, and we didn’t get the assistance that we needed." Florida's property insurance market isn't coming back without a change of state leadership and approach. Consider joining our campaign today. nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna216…
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Floridians are already struggling to feed their families. But our state government has decided to opt out of a federal program that would provide additional benefits for families enrolled in SNAP during the summer.
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Right now, Republicans are fighting communities instead of fighting crime. We can be the party that says that’s wrong. Let’s tackle crime while lifting up communities.
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If our voucher schools are going to accept public money, they should have to provide the same standards and services as our public schools. That is real choice that won’t leave kids behind.
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The working people I’ve connected with the last few months have made it clear: We are in a crisis. People need help. Our current government isn’t doing enough. I’m standing up for those families.
2026 Watch-TODAY on @FoxNews - It's been 31 years since a Democrat won a Florida gubernatorial election. But former #GOP rep. turned indie turned Dem @davidjollyfl tells me "it's been even longer since we had an affordability crisis like we're experiencing right now" foxnews.com/politics/former-… #flapol #2026election #FoxNews
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As Democrats we have to go into communities we haven’t won before and talk about our values. Tonight we are in Molino for our 108th event! We’re covering the entire state and talking to every single voter — join us.
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Speaking today in Lee County, a place devastated by Hurricane Ian that knows best we need to fix our collapsing homeowners’ insurance market.
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I had a wonderful time this Saturday with The Villages Democratic Club! It’s great getting to meet so many people, hear their thoughts, and share my vision for the future.
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We need a strong immigration agenda. But instead of solutions, Republicans are targeting the very people who form the backbone of our communities.. The good news is that voters will have their say in Florida next year, and we’re ready to send a message.
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A big thank you to everyone who came to our reception last night at Leadership Blue. I’m feeling inspired by my conversations with so many of you last night, and grateful for your support as we fight for Florida’s future.
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Since March, I’ve travelled around the state holding over a dozen town halls to listen directly to Floridians and their concerns. That’s not stopping soon. The conversations I have on the road teach me more about Florida’s families than headlines or press releases ever could.
Well-known Trump critic David Jolly enters race for Florida governor politi.co/3ZipgWL via @politico by @leonardkl
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54% of Miamians are considered “ALICE” – asset-limited, income-constrained, employed. Simply put, they’re living paycheck to paycheck. We cannot allow our communities to live like this. Florida needs change and real solutions to our affordability crisis. union-bulletin.com/news/nati…
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Today is Juneteenth, where we commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. We honor Black Americans’ legacy and resilience, while understanding we still have so much to do to make this country equal for all.
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We need a state catastrophic fund to remove hurricane coverage from the private market, reducing homeowners insurance in some cases by 60%. There is not a viable industry to cover natural disasters given years of denying climate science. We need change, not more of the same.
Rick @ScottforFlorida says next Governor will have to fix insurance problem of the 'last six and a half years' Reporting by @AGGancarski floridapolitics.com/archives… #FlaPol
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It was an honor to visit with constituents at Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church yesterday to discuss their vision for Florida’s future. Our state wants change, and I’m running to build a coalition to change it.
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The world stops when we hear of political violence. And it should. Prayers for Charlie Kirk right now, for our nation, and for our politics.
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Last week, I visited Lakeland for a town hall. Thank you to everyone who showed up. I still believe in Florida’s future—and I’m grateful so many of you do too.
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Floridians are worried about the cost of living, but Tallahassee is more concerned with removing rainbow crosswalks in the state. We need to focus on a brighter future for Florida: one where everyone can afford to live and be treated with respect. miamiherald.com/opinion/edit…
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As we enter hurricane season, Florida needs to create a state catastrophic fund, removing natural disaster perils from the private market. This would dramatically reduce property and car insurance rates, restoring affordability across Florida.
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Great to meet some of the UF College Democrats today in the swamp.
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Last night, I joined the Hillsborough County LGBTQ+ Dems meeting. Thank you for the invitation and the opportunity to share my vision for a Florida where everyone is given dignity and equity. We stand stronger when we stand together.
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I’m a fifth-generation Floridian – I grew up in South Miami and now call Pinellas County my home. I love this state and believe in its future; that’s why I’m committed to fixing the affordability crisis plaguing our community.
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