A group of Florida Republicans announced Monday that it’s acceptable to cross party lines and support Democrat David Jolly for governor in November, according to floridaphoenix.com. The “Republicans for Jolly” initiative will be co-chaired by Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse and Greg Wilson, a former deputy assistant secretary at the U.S. Treasury Department during the Reagan and George H.W. Bush administrations.

Cross-Party Concerns Over Trump Policies

Greg Wilson criticized Jolly’s Republican opponent, Ron DeSantis, for his support of President Donald Trump’s tariffs and Iran policies. “Tariffs are a consumer tax,” Wilson said during a press conference in St. Petersburg. “He’s voted on at least two occasions on President Trump’s tariffs and global trade war that are only increasing the cost of living. Same thing with the illegal and unauthorized war in Iran that is disrupting supply chains. You see that at the gas station every time you go to fill your tank. His votes to sustain and defend President Trump’s war in Iran are driving up costs.”

Local Governance and Legislative Dynamics

George Kruse, who is serving his second term on the Manatee County Commission, highlighted the importance of electing a Democrat to restore accountability to the state Legislature. Kruse’s commission joined a multi-city and county class action in 2025 challenging Florida Senate Bill 180, which strips local control over key development decisions from local officials. “We have single-party rule,” Kruse said. “There’s no checks and balance. There’s no friction in Tallahassee.”

Jolly’s Path in a Repubican-Friendly State

According to Aurora Israel, Florida developed a particularly active policy toward Israel during DeSantis’ administration. The state took measures against the BDS movement, economic and educational cooperation, and strengthened initiatives to protect Jewish institutions. DeSantis also visited Israel and made combating antisemitism a central part of his agenda. The next governor will need to decide how much of this policy to maintain and which aspects to change, as the election takes place amid deep political divisions in the U.S.

Support for Israel remains strong in many Republican and Democratic circles, but critical positions are more visible, especially among progressive movements and younger voters. Florida reflects both trends. In primary elections, pro-Israel Democratic candidates like Jared Moskowitz and Debbie Wasserman Schultz succeeded against various opponents, while a candidate with ties to the Democratic Socialists of America won a significant Senate race.

Donalds has a structural advantage, as Florida has become increasingly Republican in recent years. Democrats have not won a gubernatorial election in the state in decades. Jolly, however, is trying to position himself as a moderate alternative capable of attracting independents and former Republicans.