Three of Florida’s largest labor and public employee organizations are backing David Jolly and his running mate Gwen Graham in the 2026 governor’s race, giving the Democratic ticket support from groups representing teachers, public workers and unions across the state.
The endorsements come from the Florida AFL-CIO, the Florida Education Association and Florida AFSCME, organizations that collectively represent more than 1 million educators, public employees, union members, retirees and family members.
“We’re going to continue growing Florida’s economy, working with innovators and businesses wanting to call Florida home,” Jolly said. “But this campaign is also about making sure the economy works for everyone—addressing the housing, healthcare, and education needs of Florida’s workers—and, yes, ending Tallahassee’s outright assault on labor in our state.”
Each group conducted its own endorsement process, according to the campaign, but cited issues central to Florida’s workforce, including affordability, public education and support for working families.
The Florida AFL-CIO approved its endorsement during its COPE Endorsing Convention, where more than 200 delegates representing local labor councils voted on candidates for statewide and local offices. The federation said its political program includes voter outreach to roughly 1.3 million union members, retirees and members of their households.
The Florida Education Association, which represents about 125,000 teachers, education support professionals, and higher education faculty and staff, said its support reflects Jolly’s advocacy for educators, higher education and neighborhood public schools. FEA President Andrew Spar said the organization would recommend the ticket to members and encourage participation in the election.
Florida AFSCME, whose members include public employees in state and local government, health care, corrections, public safety and other services, also announced its support.
Jolly said his campaign is focused on growing Florida’s economy while addressing housing, health care, education and other cost-of-living pressures facing workers. Graham, a former member of Congress, has emphasized investment in public education.