40 current, former Broward leaders back David Jolly for Governor, citing cross-aisle appeal

Forty current and former Democratic leaders in Florida’s bluest county are lining up behind former U.S. Rep. David Jolly’s bid for Governor, citing his ability to appeal to voters of all persuasions amid increasing political polarity.

They include 17 sitting elected officials from the state, county and municipal levels, and 23 former leaders, including two past Chairs of the Broward Democratic Party.

Atop the list is Broward Mayor Beam Furr, who noted that as Florida’s second-largest county, a big win in Broward could be key to a statewide victory next year.

“This coalition sends a clear message: David Jolly is the candidate who can energize Democrats, appeal to independents and common sense Republicans, and deliver real solutions to Florida’s affordability crisis,” he said in a statement.

Other currently elected Broward officials backing Jolly include:

— State Sen. Tina Polsky, whose district spans both Broward and Palm Beach counties.

— State Reps. Robin Bartleman, Dan Daley, Mike Gottlieb and Mitch Rosenwald.

— County Commissioners Lamar Fisher, Steve Geller and Nan Rich.

— School Board members Maura Bulman and Nora Rupert.

— Mayors Angelo Castillo of Pembroke Pines and Dean Trantalis of Fort Lauderdale.

— City Commissioners Steven Glassman and Ben Sorensen of Fort Lauderdale and Caryl Shuham and Idelma Quintana of Hollywood.

Additional endorsements came from former U.S. Reps. Ron Klein and Larry Smith; former state Sens. Eleanor Sobel and Peter Weinstein; former state Reps. Katie Edwards, Steven Effman, Joe Geller, Joe Gibbons, Fred Lippman, Anne Mackenzie, Steven Perman, Tim Ryan, Elaine Schwartz and Richard Stark; former Mayors Maria Guilianti of Hollywood and Daniel Sterman of Weston; former City Commissioners Linda Anderson and Dick Blattner of Hollywood and Toby Feuer of Weston; former Broward Democratic Party Chairs Cynthia Busch and Mitch Ceasar; and former Broward Hispanic Caucus President Patty DeBiase.

Jolly, who represented Pinellas County in Congress from 2014-2017, agreed with Furr’s view of Broward’s importance in the 2026 gubernatorial race.

“Broward County is vital for any Democratic path to victory in Florida,” he said in a statement. “I’m grateful to have the support of so many leaders who have dedicated their lives to public service. Together, we’re building the coalition needed to solve the affordability and insurance crisis, defend our public schools, and restore common sense in state government.”

The new endorsements join a plethora of others he’s welcomed in recent months, including nods from more than 60 current and former Democratic elected officials.

Jolly entered the race for Governor in June and remains the highest-profile Democratic candidate running.

As of 6 p.m. Wednesday, there were 27 candidates in the race. That includes Republican U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, who carries an endorsement from President Donald Trump, and Republican Paul Renner, the immediate past Speaker of the Florida House.

Independent state Sen. Jason Pizzo, who left the Democratic Party and his post as Senate Democratic Leader earlier this year, has said he will run and spend up to $25 million on his campaign, but he hasn’t filed.

Others considering bids include Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, First Lady Casey DeSantis and Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, two Republicans and a Democrat, respectively.

The 2026 Primary is Aug. 18, followed by the General Election on Nov. 3.

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