Overview

• Byron Donalds rolled out his first 2026 campaign ad featuring clips of David Jolly declaring “the Democratic Party is absolutely right on the issues.”
• The ad accuses Jolly of backing Democratic stances on immigration pathways, transgender surgeries and the broadest gun-control measures in state history.
• Donalds secured President Trump’s endorsement in February shortly after announcing his bid to succeed term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis.
• David Jolly joined the Democratic Party this year after serving as a Republican congressman and argues that Florida’s open-seat contest gives his party a genuine chance.
• Florida’s traditional Republican advantage faces new tests as both campaigns step up voter outreach and tailor appeals to independents ahead of 2026.