Jolly and Donalds Battle for Black Votes in Florida Governor Race

Democratic nominee David Jolly and Republican nominee Byron Donalds are competing for Black voters in Florida's governor race as both campaigns seek support that could influence the November election. The candidates, campaigning across Tallahassee and other parts of the state, are using different strategies to build a winning coalition.

Recent polls show the race is close, with a St. Pete Polls survey released Oct. 7 showing Jolly and Donalds tied at 45% each. Other surveys cited by the campaigns and media outlets show either candidate with a narrow advantage.

Donalds, a Republican congressman from Naples seeking to become Florida's first Black governor, has expanded outreach to Black communities through appearances at historically Black colleges, meetings with Caribbean-American leaders and support from Black elected officials. According to U.S. News, a Mason-Dixon poll of 625 registered voters from Sept. 28-Oct. 1 showed Donalds with 10% support among Black voters and Jolly with 76%.

At a Florida A&M University forum, Donalds urged Black voters to consider alternatives to traditional party alignment.

"I'm just going to be blunt: Stop moving like a monolith," said Byron Donalds, Republican gubernatorial nominee.

Donalds has focused much of his campaign on issues including economic growth and education. Political observers cited by the Orlando Sentinel said his outreach reflects the challenge of gaining Black voters while maintaining support among his Republican base.

"Usually, when a Black candidate is running for state or national office in a predominantly white environment they downplay race, and don't talk about race unless they have to," said Sharon Wright Austin, University of Florida political science professor.

Jolly, a former Republican congressman who became a Democrat, has centered his campaign on housing, health care and education while criticizing policies associated with Gov. Ron DeSantis. He has argued that Black voter participation could determine the outcome.

"The only reason this state is now competitive again is because we are a state that has been broken by division," said David Jolly, Democratic gubernatorial nominee.

Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina joined Jolly in Tallahassee on Oct. 12 and encouraged Black voters to participate in the election. Clyburn told attendees that turnout efforts were central to Democratic prospects.

"These little devices have been changing governments all over the world," said James Clyburn, U.S. representative from South Carolina.

"It's time for us to use them ... to get people to the polls," said James Clyburn, U.S. representative from South Carolina.

Jolly has argued that his campaign has built support among Black Floridians through community visits and coalition work. He also appeared with civil rights leaders and held events aimed at historically Black institutions.

"If the election were tonight, we would win this race," said David Jolly, Democratic gubernatorial nominee.

Donalds has received support from some Black leaders, including Cynthia Moore Chestnut, but polls cited by multiple outlets show Jolly leading among Black voters. The governor's race remains focused on whether either candidate can expand support beyond traditional party groups.