ORLANDO, Fla. – Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly has chosen former Florida Congresswoman Gwen Graham as his running mate, announcing the pick Tuesday in a video posted to YouTube.
“I’m excited to have in Gwen a true partner,” Jolly said in the announcement video.
Jolly, 52, and Graham, 63, previously served together in the U.S. Congress. Graham represented Florida’s 2nd Congressional District, while Jolly represented Florida’s 13th Congressional District from 2014 to 2017 as a Republican. He became a registered Democrat in April 2025.
Graham brings deep Florida political roots
Gwen Graham is the daughter of the late Florida Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham. She was born in Miami Lakes, Fla., and lives in Tallahassee with her husband, Steve.
Graham ran for Florida governor in 2018 but lost the primary. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Juris Doctor from American University. From 2021 to 2025, she served as Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Education.
Key opponent suspends campaign after cancer diagnosis
Jolly’s chief opponent for the Democratic nomination, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, announced Friday that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and is suspending his campaign as he begins treatment.
Republicans field several candidates
Several candidates are vying for the Republican nomination for governor.
- U.S. Congressman Byron Donalds, a close ally of President Donald Trump, represents a district in Southwest Florida.
- Lt. Governor Jay Collins was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2025, replacing Jeanette Nuñez, who left to become president of Florida International University.
- Paul Renner of Flagler County is the former Florida House Speaker.
- James Fishback is the chief executive officer of an investment firm.
Florida governor’s race: Key dates
- Deadline to request mail ballot: August 6, 2026
- Early voting (mandatory period): August 8–15, 2026
- Primary Election Day: August 18, 2026
- Deadline to register to vote: October 5, 2026
- Deadline to request mail ballot: October 22, 2026
- Early voting (mandatory period): October 24–31, 2026
- General Election Day: November 3, 2026