Former President Barack Obama announced his endorsement of Democratic candidate David Jolly for Florida governor by highlighting his plans to help Floridians.
"David is independent-minded," Obama said in a video statement released over the weekend. "He's focused on lowering the costs of housing and healthcare, making sure every child gets a great education. He has a long record of taking on corruption, and I know he's tough enough to stand up against the powerful special interests that make your life harder."
“Elections are about who will fight for you. In this election, it’s David Jolly. So let’s do this, Florida. Vote for the change you deserve. Vote David Jolly for Governor,” Obama said.
President Obama, we're honored to have your support. pic.twitter.com/Y3NTNuBiFC
— David Jolly (@davidjollyfl) October 24, 2026
Obama won the state of Florida after defeating Republican John McCain by 3 points in the 2008 presidential election, becoming the first black president in U.S. History. He also won the state after defeating Republican Mitt Romney by less than a point in the 2012 presidential race.
Notably, Obama is the last Democratic president to win Florida. Moreover, since 1952, Democrats have only won the Sunshine State five times in 1964, 1976, 1996, 2008, and 2012.
Republicans have won the last three presidential elections in Florida behind Donald Trump in 2016, 2020, and 2024. Trump became president in two of those years ('16/'24), losing to Democrat Joe Biden in 2020.
"Florida holds a special place in my heart. We won twice because you believed in a better future," Obama commented. "Now I'm supporting David Jolly for governor because he believes in it too."
Jolly is hoping for some of Obama's magic. He also got a bit of help from former President Bill Clinton, who endorsed him at a campaign rally in Broward County last week.
Obama also endorsed Rep. Angie Nixon (D-Jacksonville) for U.S. Senate in another video.
Florida has not elected a Democratic governor since Lawton Chiles in 1994, a span of over three decades. Republicans have held the seat since 1999, including four times between Charlie Crist and Ron DeSantis since Obama's last state win in 2012.
Jolly is going up against Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) on Nov. 3.
"Elections are about who will fight for you, and in this election, it's David Jolly," Obama commented. "So let's do this, Florida. Vote for the change you deserve. Vote David Jolly for governor."
