Democratic hopeful David Jolly denounces Florida's pandemic response as he seeks governor's seat

David Jolly, a Democrat who fled to Pennsylvania during the coronavirus outbreak, has made the pandemic a centerpiece of his campaign for Florida governor, calling Governor Ron DeSantis’s approach an "abject failure" and criticizing the emphasis on personal freedom. He told interviewers that he and his wife wonder daily whether to raise their children in the state, and he advocated for universal mask and vaccine mandates in schools, even suggesting Jesus would comply.

Jolly also accused DeSantis of fostering "racist xenophobia" over immigration-related virus spread. In contrast, GOP candidate Byron Donalds highlighted Florida’s post-pandemic economic growth and the surge in registered Republican voters, dismissing Jolly’s criticisms. Donalds’ communications director Gates McGavick warned that a Donald victory would leave no room for Jolly’s platform. The contest will be decided in the August 18 primary.