Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly criticized Republican challenger Byron Donalds' loyalty to President Donald Trump amid high gas prices due to the Iran War in a campaign ad released this week.
The 30-second "Daddy's Back," ad was shared on Jolly's social media page. Rep. Donalds referenced the phrase prior to Trump's second presidential inauguration in January 2025.
"Since then, gas, groceries, and home insurance have all gone up," the ad says.Â
NEW AD ALERT.
Tomorrow, Byron hits the trail again with President Trump - or as Byron says, "Daddy's back!"
Check out our new ad dropping today in all markets. pic.twitter.com/f9b9uID7Bs
— David Jolly (@davidjollyfl) October 22, 2026
It then shows Rep. Donalds giving President Trump an 'A' on the economy. In addition, the ad depicts Donalds agreeing Trump did not break his promise to bring down prices on day one of his second term.
"Now Trump's war with Iran is pushing gas prices even higher, and Donalds is still defending it," the ad says, shifting to a clip showing Donalds saying, 'Gas prices are a little bit higher.'
"Trump always gets Byron Donalds' blind loyalty. You always get the bill," the ad concludes.Â
President Trump endorsed Donalds for governor in February 2025. He is expected to join Trump at a midterm campaign rally at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers tonight.
The ad comes less than two weeks before the close of the gubernatorial campaign.
According to recent polling, Jolly is behind Donalds by five points. But polls also show anywhere from a two-point to double-digit lead, with a few showing Jolly tied in the race.
That mean's anything can happen between now and Nov. 3.
Jolly is looking to become the first elected Democratic governor of Florida since 1994. Since then, it's been all Republican, including Gov. DeSantis for two terms.
Gov. DeSantis endorsed Donalds in September.
