Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly has officially selected former Congresswoman Gwen Graham as his running mate, pairing two well-known centrist political figures in a campaign aimed at appealing to voters across party lines.
Jolly announced the selection Wednesday at Florida’s Historic Capitol in Tallahassee, calling Graham a proven public servant and emphasizing their history of working together in Congress despite serving on opposite sides of the political aisle.
“What mattered was whether or not our congressional delegation was going to advance the interest of all of Florida, and that’s what this race is about,” Jolly said during the announcement.
The former Republican congressman, who later became an independent before joining the Democratic Party, framed the election as a pivotal moment for Florida’s future.
“The theme in the state of Florida tonight is, you don’t have to be a Democrat to vote for a Democrat,” Jolly said. “We want every single voter across this state to recognize this is a generational moment that requires generational leadership.”
Graham, the daughter of former Florida Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham, served one term representing Florida’s 2nd Congressional District after defeating Republican Congressman Steve Southerland in 2014. She later mounted a bid for Governor in 2018 but lost the Democratic Primary to Andrew Gillum.
Earlier this year, Graham announced she would not seek a return to Congress in Florida’s 2nd Congressional District, a seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn. Her decision fueled speculation that she could play a role in a statewide campaign.
During Wednesday’s event, Graham said Florida is moving in the wrong direction and argued that voters are looking for leadership focused on affordability, education, environmental protection, and economic opportunity.
“David and I are in this campaign because the Florida we love, the Florida we all love, frankly is slipping away,” Graham said.
“When I first met David, we stood on opposite sides of the aisle, but whether it was fighting to stop oil drilling off our coasts, working to give veterans the dignity they earned and deserve, or working on common-sense reforms following the Pulse nightclub tragedy, we stood shoulder-to-shoulder time and time again.”
Graham added that housing affordability, educational opportunity, environmental protection, and long-term economic growth should not be partisan issues.
The announcement comes as Jolly attempts to build a coalition capable of competing in a state that has trended increasingly Republican in recent election cycles.
The campaign also announced that longtime Democratic strategist Sean Pittman will serve as Transition Chair, helping prepare policy priorities and staffing plans should Jolly win the Governor’s Mansion.
Pittman praised Jolly’s focus on affordability issues, describing him as a candidate focused on the everyday concerns of Floridians.
The selection of Graham immediately drew criticism from Republicans.
The campaign of Republican gubernatorial frontrunner Byron Donalds dismissed the Democratic ticket, arguing that voters have already rejected similar policies.
“This might have been an interesting ticket 10 years ago — same old failed politicians, same old failed liberal agenda, same losing result in November,” said Gates McGavick, communications director for Donalds’ campaign.
Jolly remains the leading Democratic candidate for Governor following Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings’ decision to suspend his campaign after a prostate cancer diagnosis. Meanwhile, Donalds continues to lead most Republican and general election polling while maintaining a significant fundraising advantage.
Why It Matters
By selecting Gwen Graham, Jolly is signaling a strategy aimed at attracting moderates, independents, and crossover voters. The move creates a ticket anchored by two former members of Congress with reputations for bipartisan engagement, but it also revives debates over whether centrist Democrats can remain competitive in an increasingly Republican Florida.
