‘That is what leadership looks like’

David Jolly’s opposition to artificial intelligence data centers is one of the reasons why U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost is officially endorsing him for Governor.

“David Jolly has the experience, the passion, and the judgment Florida needs in its next governor,” Frost said. “What stands out to me is that he listens. As he travels the state, he is hearing from people on the left and the right and turning those concerns into action, including his call for a moratorium on data centers. That is what leadership looks like.”

Jolly, a fellow Democrat, joined Frost at a volunteer event last week that was focused on stopping AI data centers in Florida.

“Our strongest leaders are people who listen,” said Jolly, a former U.S. Representative. “Maxwell and I have both heard the overwhelming concerns: How do we keep data centers from raising prices for water and power? Deal with AI disrupting the job market? Protect our kids from AI agents? Until those questions are answered, we need a moratorium on data centers in Florida.”

Data centers continue to be a political issue in the Governor’s race.

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, who is viewed as the Republican front-runner, has received millions of dollars in campaign contributions from pro-AI groups and companies seeking to build data centers in Florida, according to media reports.

Donalds also recently sponsored legislation to require data centers to draw on alternative sources for power and water instead of relying on the grid.

Jolly and his running mate, Gwen Graham, called Frost’s support an asset to their campaign. Frost, the first member of Generation Z elected to Congress, is highly visible in Orlando and recently won re-election after no one filed to run against him. 

“When you get out of bed every morning, and your first thoughts are, ‘How can I help others?’ That’s the sign of a good human being, and that’s how Maxwell operates every single day,” Graham said. “We’re excited to have him join our coalition, which continues to grow with people from every background, in every part of our state.”

Earlier this month, Frost said he believes Democrats are capable of winning in Florida when speaking at Leadership Blue, the Florida Democratic Party’s conference in Orlando.

“Our message isn’t about Democrat versus Republican. It’s about the people versus the problem,” Frost said. “Florida Democrats, the mission is simple. Take our message to every end of this state with an open hand and an open heart and we will win.”