Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly shared that he has received an endorsement from the Tampa Bay Times Editorial Board in his bid for Florida governor.
"I know that support isn’t a given; it has to be earned," Jolly wrote on social media. "For more than a year, we’ve traveled across our state, talking to Floridians, sharing our message, and building the coalition that it takes to win. Thank you to the Tampa Bay Times for seeing the power of this movement."
The Tampa Bay Times is the largest daily newspaper in Florida. Its endorsement follows support from the Miami Herald earlier this month.
"David Jolly is what Florida needs in a governor - a centrist, practical, a capitalist who believes government should improve everyone's life, not just the lives of those who vote for him, " the Times wrote. "He's tough, but not a bully. He's smart, remains relatable. He'll push big ideas while keeping his own party's left wing in check."
I know that support isn’t a given; it has to be earned. For more than a year, we’ve traveled across our state, talking to Floridians, sharing our message, and building the coalition that it takes to win. Thank you to the Tampa Bay Times for seeing the power of this movement. pic.twitter.com/6AGWQr3bmV
— David Jolly (@davidjollyfl) October 16, 2026
Jolly is competing against Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) in the race. Donalds has been endorsed by President Donald Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Where does the race stand according to polling?
- Fabrizio, Lee & Associates: Donalds 49% - Jolly 43% (Oct. 8-11)
- Stetson University: Donalds 52% - Jolly 41% (Oct. 1-9)
- James Madison Institute: Donalds 52% - Jolly 42% (Sept. 28-Oct. 4)
- Mason-Dixon: Donalds 48% - Jolly 41 % (Sept. 28-Oct. 1)
- Change Research: Jolly 48% - Jolly 46% (Sept. 25-27)
Donalds is looking to become Florida's 5th straight Republican governor since 1999. Jolly is hoping to be the first elected Democrat since Lawton Chiles in 1994.
The general election is Nov. 3.
