Newly resurfaced footage of Florida's Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly’s 2016 congressional debate leaves voters questioning the former Republican’s current stance on U.S. relations with the Communist Cuban regime.
Prominent Cuban exile and radio host Ninoska Pérez Castellón recently commented on a video of former Congressman Jolly, then-Republican Representative for Florida’s 13th District, endorsing opening a Cuban consulate in St. Petersburg.
"I think it should be in St. Pete and not Tampa, and I've met with Cuban officials to do that," Jolly said at the time. "I think it's a great opportunity for this city; Yes."
The video clip comes from St. Petersburg's WTSP's Florida 13th Congressional District Debate between Jolly and former Gov. Charlie Christ (D).
AS JOLLY AS IT GETS. Another pro Castro Democrat who met with Cuba’s dictatorship to open a consulate in St. Pete now wants the vote of the victims of the Castro regime to be governor of the state where the most victims of the Castro’s regime vote. You can’t make this up!
— Ninoska Perez C (@NinoskaPerezC) October 28, 2026
Jolly's Previous Views on Wet Foot, Dry Foot
During the debate, Jolly expressed his approval for the U.S.'s "Wet foot, dry foot" policy under the Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966, a program terminated by former President Barack Obama the following year.
"I think we should protect the ability under the current system with Cuba that if somebody reaches our shores, they should have an opportunity to stay," Jolly said. "Only for Cuba."
Controversial Cuban Consulate Possibility
Following the second Obama administration's resumed diplomatic relations with Cuba and the opening of a Cuban embassy in Washington D.C., debates of a possible Cuba consulate in Florida sparked division between Miami officials, who rejected the idea, and Tampa officials.
Jolly's Previous Cuban-Related Views
In 2015, Jolly condemned the Obama administration's agreement to resume diplomatic relations with the Communist island. However, the former Republican expressed support for private travel to the country.
