The battle for Florida’s gubernatorial race is heating up. U.S. Representative Byron Donalds has wasted no time launching a direct offensive against his opponent, Democrat David Jolly. This marks the beginning of what promises to be a fiercely contested election in 2026.

Donalds’ campaign ad takes aim at a specific quote from Jolly during a May 2024 interview: “The Democratic Party is absolutely right on the issues.” This statement serves as a springboard for Donalds to criticize Jolly’s ties to what many Florida conservatives view as a radical national agenda.

The ad employs a powerful montage, aligning Jolly with high-profile Democrats like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Vice President Kamala Harris. It highlights controversial policies that are often at odds with Florida’s traditional values. Clips of Schumer advocating for a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, Harris supporting taxpayer-funded health care for transgender inmates, and accusations of tax increases under Democratic leadership paint a stark picture of what Donalds’ team deems dangerous for Florida.

By incorporating visuals from California, the ad crafts a narrative about failed progressive policies. It portrays issues that resonate deeply with Florida voters, particularly on immigration and gender identity in sports. The ad’s chilling conclusion—“David Jolly. Wrong then. Wrong now. Wrong for Florida”—is a direct assault on his credibility.

In seeking to establish his political identity, Donalds, the only declared GOP candidate so far, aims to define Jolly before the race intensifies. This tactic seeks to limit Jolly’s appeal to moderate and independent voters, especially considering Jolly’s political transformation from Republican to Democrat. Despite Jolly’s assertion that he aims to win over independents and disenchanted Republicans with a moderate platform, Donalds’ campaign is intent on highlighting Jolly’s past associations with leftist policies.

The strategy is remarkable for its boldness. It emphasizes the need for clarity regarding candidates’ positions, as expressed by Donalds’ campaign strategist, Ryan Smith. “Floridians need clarity on where their candidates stand,” Smith remarks, underlining the urgency around these issues within the state.

This isn’t Donalds’ first confrontation with Jolly. He previously focused on Jolly’s comments about gun control, which further emphasize the contention surrounding personal freedoms that resonate with many voters. Jolly’s dismissive remarks about the Second Amendment provided Donalds with another angle to brand him as a threat to Floridians’ rights. Jolly’s response, which aimed to pivot the debate back to public safety, illustrates the delicate balancing act he must perform moving forward.

Donalds’ campaign is clear: by linking Jolly to unpopular national Democratic policies, he hopes to solidify his position as the front-runner. The goal is to compel Jolly to confront his past, which could undermine any efforts to pivot toward more centrist views.

Jolly has responded to Donalds strategically, framing his campaign narrative around economic issues and denouncing culture wars. His criticisms of the current governor, Ron DeSantis, for focusing on divisive social topics instead of concrete economic concerns showcase Jolly’s determination to appeal to a broader electorate. “We’re done with culture wars in the state of Florida if I get to the governor’s mansion,” he asserts. Yet, his prior statements leave him vulnerable to Donalds’ scrutiny.

The timing of Donalds’ ad release indicates urgency. By striking first, he aims to define Jolly’s platform and limit his options for retort. While unconventional, this aggressive tactic reveals Donalds’ perspective on Jolly as a credible threat, prompting a preemptive strike.

In essence, Donalds is banking that by associating Jolly with a progressive agenda, he can weaken the challenger’s standing with Florida voters. How successful this strategy will be hinges on Jolly’s ability to navigate these attacks and redefine his political identity.

The tone of this race suggests ideological divisions will take center stage, unfolding across various issues that define the current political climate. Donalds is prepared to engage in skirmishes over cultural values, while Jolly emphasizes a commitment to a pragmatic approach. As Jolly noted in January, “They’re playing checkers. I’m playing chess.” However, Donalds’ early strikes signal a game of tactics where voters may prioritize past statements over future promises.