State Senator Shevrin Jones on Thursday endorsed former U.S. Rep. David Jolly for governor, with Jolly’s campaign casting the move as a sign of growing Democratic momentum after what it described as historic special election victories in Florida.
In a statement released by the campaign, Jones pointed to recent Democratic wins and argued they reflected a broader shift among voters frustrated by rising housing costs, insurance rates and what he called one-party rule in the state.
He said Democrats, independents and “fed-up Republicans” were facing the same affordability pressures and said Jolly was positioned to lead a coalition focused on change.
“Florida just made history. We showed that by being united and mission-focused, working families can once again be the tip of the spear in shaping our future. A Democrat just flipped Trump’s own backyard—and in Hillsborough County, a vastly outspent Democrat flipped a seat by less than 400 votes. That’s not a fluke. That’s a Florida that is waking up,” Jones said. “Today, I’m proud to endorse and share my full support of David Jolly for Governor of Florida because our moment is now to grow the energy and make clear we are fighting for Floridians who’ve had enough. I’ve watched David closely. And what I’ve seen is a man of deep conviction who left his party not for political convenience, but because he refused to be part of what is being done to this country and to our state.”
Jones, who was elected by his colleagues as Senate Democratic Leader Designate for the 2028-30 term, said Jolly had shown “deep conviction” and argued this was a moment for Democrats to unify rather than divide.
Jolly welcomed the endorsement, calling Jones “a remarkable leader and a remarkable person” and saying a new coalition was emerging in Florida. The campaign said Jolly, a former congressman who announced his candidacy in June 2025, has held more than 200 community meetings across the state as he builds support for his gubernatorial bid.
Jolly’s campaign is focused on affordability issues, including housing, healthcare and education, while also calling for an end to Florida’s culture wars.
