22 Palm Beach Leaders Just Backed David Jolly—Is This the Shock Move That Could Flip Florida Politics?

David Jolly’s campaign for Governor of Florida is gaining momentum, particularly in Palm Beach County, where he recently received backing from 22 current and former elected officials. This latest wave of endorsements comes just days after newly-elected state Representative Emily Gregory, a fellow Democrat, publicly declared her support for Jolly.

The endorsement surge follows a recent poll showing Jolly leading Republican Byron Donalds by a notable 9 percentage points in a direct matchup for the Governor's seat. Additionally, Jolly's fundraising efforts have surpassed $5 million in the last quarter, further solidifying his position as a strong contender in a crowded race.

“Palm Beach County is essential to winning Florida,”

Jolly stated, emphasizing the importance of grassroots support.

“I’m honored to have the support of leaders like Rep. Gregory, who are showing what’s possible when you stay focused on what matters most to voters. Together, we’re building a coalition that reflects the full diversity of this state and is committed to lowering costs, fixing our broken insurance system, and bringing common sense back to Tallahassee.”

Among the new endorsers are significant figures such as state Senator Mack Bernard, state Representatives Rob Long, Kelly Skidmore, and Debra Tendrich, as well as Public Defender Daniel Eisinger and various municipal leaders including mayors and commissioners from Riviera Beach, Lake Worth Beach, and Boca Raton.

Bernard, who recently won his Senate District 245 seat unopposed, praised Jolly’s commitment to addressing affordability issues.

“David Jolly understands that for too many families in Palm Beach County, the cost of living isn’t a talking point. It’s a daily challenge,”

Bernard noted in a statement, highlighting Jolly's focus on real solutions to lower housing costs and create opportunities across communities.

Riviera Beach Mayor Douglas Lawson echoed this sentiment, stating that Jolly is assembling a coalition that could pave the way for a Democrat to reclaim the Governor's Office.

“David is focused on the issues that voters truly care about. He’s campaigning everywhere and reaching out to every voter,”

Lawson said, underscoring the resonance of Jolly’s message in Palm Beach County and beyond.

The endorsements from Palm Beach County are part of a larger trend, with Jolly also receiving support from established party figures such as Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman and state Senator Tina Polsky, who is co-chairing his campaign. Polsky further emphasized the need for a leader who can unite rather than divide, stating,

“David Jolly is offering something different: bringing people together to actually solve problems.”

Jolly is emerging as a leading candidate among a record 44 contenders vying for the Governor's seat. He faces formidable competition in the Democratic Primary from Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, a former Sheriff and Orlando Police Chief. On the Republican side, Donalds will contend with several notable figures, including Lt. Gov. Jay Collins and former House Speaker Paul Renner.

The primary election is scheduled for August 18, with the general election set for November 3. As Jolly continues to build his coalition and address pressing issues such as affordability and insurance reform, his campaign is increasingly positioned to challenge the status quo in Florida politics.