Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly on Wednesday named former Congresswoman Gwen Graham as his running mate, saying the selection was intended to give voters a clear view of the leadership team he would bring to state government.
Jolly announced the decision in Tallahassee before Florida’s historic Old Capitol, describing the choice of lieutenant governor as “the most important decision” he would make in the campaign. He said he was making the announcement earlier than is customary because Florida’s challenges require a governing team prepared to act immediately.
“Floridians deserve to know exactly who will help lead this state on Day One,” Jolly said. “This campaign is not about one person. It is about building a team that’s ready to solve problems, earn trust, and restore confidence that government can work for the people again. Florida needs Gwen Graham on this team.”
Graham, a former member of Congress, attorney, and education advocate, will join the ticket as Jolly’s choice for lieutenant governor. She said the campaign would focus on affordability and quality-of-life concerns facing Florida residents, including housing costs, health care, insurance and the future facing younger Floridians.
“David and I are in this race because too many families are working harder than ever and wondering if they can still afford to stay in the communities they call home. Young people question whether they’ll ever be able to buy a home here. Parents worry about the future their children will inherit. Floridians deserve leaders focused on those challenges—not political theater,” Graham said.
The campaign said Jolly and Graham previously worked together in Congress on issues including offshore drilling, veterans, public education and other matters affecting Florida communities.
Graham, a Democratic candidate for governor in 2018, is the daughter of the late Bob Graham, who served as both governor and U.S. senator. She was born in Miami Lakes and later moved to Tallahassee as a teenager when her father was elected governor.
Jolly and Graham said their campaign would seek to build a coalition beyond traditional party lines, with an emphasis on lowering costs, protecting individual freedoms, strengthening schools, preserving the environment and restoring public trust in government.