Congressman and Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds (R-FL) attacked Democratic opponent David Jolly as a radical with comparisons to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
"Radical Liberal David Jolly stands with New York Communist Zohran Mamdani," Donalds wrote in a social media post. "David Jolly wants to import Mamdani’s socialist policies to Florida. Not on my watch."
Rep. Donalds also inferred Jolly, a former Republican, would infuse "failed policies" from blue states if elected Florida governor. Jolly was a Republican congressman in Florida from 2014 to 2017 before registering as a Democrat to run for governor in June 2025.
Once again, Rep. Donalds depicted Jolly next to Mamdani. A self-proclaimed socialist, Mamdani has become a lightning rod for progressive Democrats looking to overhaul the party's political establishment heading into the midterm since his election victory.
Mamdani has also been criticized by Republicans who argue that he has radical ideas.
"Let me be clear from the beginning: David Jolly is just like any other radical Democrat. He will import the failed policies of blue states like California and New York to Florida," Donalds wrote. "As Governor, I’ll defend the Florida Dream from this expensive, dangerous and dumb nonsense."
In addition, Donalds suggested Jolly would raise taxes on Floridians if elected with another share of a post from Mamdani in reference to his pied-à-terre tax. Invoked by Mamdani in April, a pied-à-terre tax is an annual property tax surcharge on expensive homes and apartments that are not the owner's primary residence, or luxury homes.
Ironically, Mamdani announced the policy outside of the Manhattan penthouse of Florida resident and Citadel CEO Ken Griffin, who reportedly donated $10 million to Donalds' campaign this week.
"When people tell you who they are, believe them. Whether it’s Mamdani or “pretty far-left” David Jolly, you can trust the Radical Left will raise your taxes," Donalds wrote.
The attacks follow a University of North Florida poll this week showing Donalds in a tighter race for governor, prompting an election forecaster to move the race slightly more to Jolly's favor.
