Florida
David Jolly Picks Gwen Graham as Running Mate in Gubernatorial Race
David Jolly, the Democratic frontrunner in the Florida gubernatorial race, named former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham as his running mate during a Tallahassee press conference Wednesday, feet from the Old Capitol. “I want a lieutenant governor capable of serving our…
Key points
- David Jolly has chosen Gwen Graham as his running mate for the Florida gubernatorial race.
- The announcement comes after Jolly’s main opponent suspended his campaign due to health issues.
- Jolly faces significant challenges in the general election against a strong Republican candidate.
NewsWK — David Jolly, a leading candidate in Florida’s gubernatorial race, has selected former U.S. Representative Gwen Graham as his running mate. This announcement took place during a press conference in Tallahassee on June 10, 2026, near the historic Old Capitol.
Jolly, who previously served as a Republican in Congress and switched to the Democratic Party last year, expressed the importance of having a lieutenant governor who can lead and partner effectively. “The right decision is Gwen Graham,” he stated, as cheers of “Jolly Florida” resonated from his supporters.
During his speech, he highlighted their collaborative efforts in Congress, particularly on issues such as offshore oil drilling, gun reform, and veterans’ rights. Graham, the daughter of former Democratic Governor Bob Graham, emphasized the urgency of the upcoming election, stating, “The Florida we all love is slipping away.”
This announcement follows a significant shift in the Democratic race, as Jolly’s main opponent, Jerry Demings, recently suspended his campaign due to health issues. Jolly currently leads a field of ten Democratic candidates, boasting the highest recognition among voters.
However, he faces challenges in the general election, with Republicans holding a substantial registration advantage. The Trump-backed U.S. Representative Byron Donalds appears to be the frontrunner for the Republican nomination. Financially, as of the last report, Jolly raised $5 million, while Donalds has amassed $67 million.
In addition to his running mate announcement, Jolly has appointed Democratic State Senator Tina Polsky as his head adviser for public policy and government affairs.
Upcoming campaign events are planned in major cities including Tampa, Orlando, and Miami.
Based on reporting originally published by Florida Phoenix. Read the original story.
