Democratic candidate David Jolly told a News Service of Florida podcast last week that he considered dropping out of the 2026 Florida governor's race and beefed up security after last week’s assassination of conservative leader Charlie Kirk.
Jolly, a former congressman and the father of two young children, said he had “an honest, raw conversation” with his wife, Laura, about whether to remain in the race after Kirk’s Sept. 10 murder in Utah while on The News Service of Florida’s “Deeper Dive with Dara Kam” podcast.
He called it an "interesting time" to be running for the governorship of Florida, "At a time when you wonder if it's the right state to raise your kids (ages 6 and 4)."
"I would suggest under this governorship we have seen the state going radically in the wrong direction," he said on the podcast. "I would not be in this age, with the age of my kids, without seeing a pathway to winning."
Jolly said he decided to proceed with his campaign because “I believe we have a chance to change the direction of Florida,” he said. “I have thought that my opportunity to show leadership to my kids is through stepping into the arena and trying to lead the state of Florida. But I equally wrestle with the question, is it more appropriate to show leadership by saying my first job is as a father and to be there? Yeah,” Jolly said.
Officials have charged Tyler Robinson, 22, with aggravated murder in the death of 31-year-old Kirk, who founded the conservative group Turning Point USA. Kirk’s assassination has rocked the political arena and elevated concerns about an increase in political violence. Jolly said Thursday his “highest duty” is to his children and said he believes he can ensure his and his family’s safety while on the campaign trail.
“I believe we can satisfy that, and that's why we're still in this race a week later, and I believe we will stay in this race,” Jolly said. "if my Republican friends truly wished to honor the legacy of someone they revered, they should welcome all voices into the public arena, not crack down on them. That was his schtick."
The candidate said his campaign added “cloaked security” and began conducting security checks at events after Kirk’s death.
“But is it a real question for a family, for a candidate with children, whether or not to stay committed to being in the public arena? Of course it is,” he said. "I went dark with my voice and presence for three or four days after the assassination because sometimes there are too many voices."
