Florida
David Jolly Announces Gwen Graham as Gubernatorial Running Mate for Florida
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…
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Key points
- David Jolly has chosen Gwen Graham as his running mate in the gubernatorial race.
- Jolly is currently leading among Democratic candidates after his main opponent suspended their campaign.
- The election poses challenges with a strong Republican registration advantage in Florida.
NewsWK — Pensacola residents should take note as David Jolly, a prominent candidate in Florida’s gubernatorial race, has officially named former U.S. Representative Gwen Graham as his running mate. This announcement occurred on June 10, 2026, during a press conference held in Tallahassee, close to the historic Old Capitol.
Jolly, who transitioned from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party last year, stressed the need for a lieutenant governor who can effectively lead and partner in governance. “The right decision is Gwen Graham,” he declared, eliciting cheers from his supporters. He highlighted their past collaboration in Congress on critical issues like offshore oil drilling, gun reform, and veterans’ rights.
Graham, the daughter of former Democratic Governor Bob Graham, shared her concern about the urgency of the upcoming election, stating, “The Florida we all love is slipping away.” This announcement comes at a pivotal moment in the Democratic race, following the suspension of Jolly’s main opponent, Jerry Demings, due to health reasons. Currently, Jolly is leading among ten Democratic candidates, enjoying significant recognition among voters.
Despite this, local residents should be aware of the challenges ahead, as Republicans hold a strong registration advantage in the state. U.S. Representative Byron Donalds, supported by Trump, is seen as the frontrunner for the Republican nomination. Financially, Jolly reported raising $5 million, while Donalds has accumulated $67 million.
Alongside the announcement of Graham, Jolly has appointed Democratic State Senator Tina Polsky as his chief adviser for public policy and government affairs. He has also scheduled campaign events in major cities, which may include outreach efforts in areas like Pensacola.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Based on reporting originally published by Florida Phoenix. Read the original story.
