By Trendsetter Tribune 
Former U.S. Representative David Jolly currently leads the field of Democratic candidates seeking the governorship of Florida, according to a recent statewide poll conducted by the James Madison Institute (JMI).
Democratic Primary Polling
In the race to secure the Democratic nomination for the November 2026 election, Jolly holds a significant lead over his primary rival, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings.
- David Jolly: 31%
- Jerry Demings: 23%
- Undecided: 44%
Despite his lead, the high number of undecided voters indicates that the primary remains competitive with several months left before the August 18, 2026, election date.
General Election Outlook
In a hypothetical general election matchup against the leading Republican candidate, Representative Byron Donalds, Jolly faces a deficit.
| Candidate | Party | Polling Support |
| Byron Donalds | Republican | 41% |
| David Jolly | Democratic | 36% |
| Undecided | – | 23% |
This polling suggests a challenging path for Democrats, who have not held the Florida Governor’s Mansion since 1999.
Key Factors Shaping the Race
- Political Shift: Florida has trended consistently more conservative in recent election cycles, creating a tough environment for Democratic candidates.
- Issues: Voters are highly focused on rising costs, with property taxes and insurance rates topping the list of concerns.
- Trump Influence: The Republican primary is heavily influenced by support from the current administration, with Representative Donalds holding a significant lead among GOP voters following his endorsement by President Trump.