Florida Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman on Monday endorsed David Jolly for governor, calling him the party’s best chance to win statewide and the only candidate offering concrete plans to tackle the state’s affordability and insurance crises.
“David Jolly is the Democrat who can win and the leader Florida needs right now,” Berman said in a statement. “He understands that the number one issue for families across our state is affordability—skyrocketing insurance, rent, and grocery costs—and he’s the only candidate offering real, actionable solutions to bring those costs down.”
Berman praised Jolly’s record of independence, citing his reputation for working across party lines and his break with the Republican Party nearly a decade ago.
Jolly, a former congressman from Pinellas County, was the first Republican in Congress to refuse to endorse Donald Trump in 2016 and later left the party, saying he could no longer support its direction.
“Floridians are exhausted by political extremism and culture wars,” Berman said. “David Jolly’s campaign is different. It’s about lowering insurance premiums, protecting homeowners, and addressing the cost-of-living crisis that Tallahassee has ignored for too long.”
Jolly, who launched his campaign in June, has held more than 80 town halls and community events across the state. His campaign has focused on building a coalition of Democrats, independents, and moderate Republicans, positioning him as a centrist alternative in a state that has trended solidly Republican in recent elections.
Last week, Jolly’s campaign annoucned that it has raised more than $2 million since launching. The campaign reported collecting nearly $1 million in the most recent fundraising quarter, covering July 1 through September 30, with contributions coming from donors across Florida and all 50 states. Jolly’s fundraising total includes money raised directly by his campaign and through Florida 2026, a political committee supporting his effort.
“I’m deeply honored to have Leader Berman’s support,” Jolly said. “Senator Berman has been a tireless advocate for Florida’s families, standing up for affordability, reproductive rights, and government accountability. Her confidence in our campaign underscores what this movement is all about: uniting Floridians across party lines to solve problems, not score political points.”
Berman, who represents parts of Palm Beach County, has served in the Senate since 2018 and previously spent eight years in the House. Her endorsement adds a prominent Democratic voice to Jolly’s campaign as he seeks to consolidate support ahead of the 2026 election.
