David Jolly has announced Gwen Graham as his running mate, and the political world is buzzing.
Jolly, who formerly served as U.S. Rep. for Florida's 13th district as a Republican, has enlisted former U.S. Rep. for Florida's 2nd district as his pick for lieutenant governor.
In a video posted on social media, Jolly commented that "Florida has a decision to make," affirming that the Jolly-Graham ticket is the way to go for a more prosperous sunshine state.
However, while Democrats might be rallying behind the ticket, Republicans are on offense, chiding the ticket and dismissing the political threat.
In a statement, Gates McGavick, the Communications Director for the Donalds Campaign, shared that the campaign isn’t worried about the Jolly-Graham ticket.
“This might have been an interesting ticket 10 years ago – same old failed politicians, same old failed liberal agenda, same losing result in November,” McGavick commented. “Byron’s momentum is surging, and he will continue covering every corner of the state to defend the Florida dream.”
Responding to the announcement, Graham noted that "Florida is facing serious challenges, from affordability and education to corruption and division in Tallahassee. But I believe our state’s best days are still ahead."
Citing her time in the U.S. House of Representatives with Jolly, she added, "I know his heart, his character, and his commitment to the people of Florida. This campaign is about restoring responsible, balanced leadership and serving every Floridian, regardless of party."
Jolly became the presumptive nominee last week after Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings announced that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Jolly formally announced his running mate in a press conference outside the Florida Capitol, announcing that he wanted "to identify a governing partner capable of leading this state, not just as lieutenant governor, but as governor."
