Full Breakdown
Obama Endorses Florida Democratic Candidates in Senate and Gubernatorial Races
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Former President Barack Obama backs Angie Nixon for U.S. Senate and David Jolly for governor
In a series of video messages released on a Saturday, former President Barack Obama publicly endorsed progressive state Rep. Angie Nixon for the U.S. Senate seat held by Republican Sen. Ashley Moody, and centrist former Republican congressman David Jolly for the state’s open governor’s race. Obama highlighted Nixon’s work on a $15-minimum-wage referendum, protection of library books, and opposition to Republican-led redistricting, and praised Jolly’s focus on housing affordability, health-care costs, and public education.
Background & Context
Florida’s 2026 midterm contests feature a Senate race in which the incumbent Republican was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis after Marco Rubio left the seat for a cabinet post. The governor’s office has been under Republican control since 1999, and the incumbent Gov. DeSantis is term-limited. Obama was the last Democratic presidential nominee to win Florida, a fact he cited when urging voters to support the Democratic tickets.
Official Statements & Responses
Obama’s videos framed both candidates as “regular folks” standing up for working families. He described Jolly as “independent-minded” and focused on lowering housing and health-care costs while ensuring quality education for every child.
Nixon thanked Obama, noting that his endorsement adds momentum as the campaign enters its final days. Jolly’s campaign said the former president’s support will help solidify Black voter backing for the ticket that also includes former congresswoman Gwen Graham.
Republican candidate Byron Donalds, who received endorsements from President Donald Trump and Gov. DeSantis, countered the Democratic messaging by emphasizing his own outreach to Black voters, though a University of North Florida poll found limited impact.
Data & Statistics
- Republicans have held the Florida governorship continuously since 1999.
- Byron Donalds secured the Republican gubernatorial primary with roughly 48 % of the vote.
- A University of North Florida poll indicated that Donalds’ support among Black residents was “cratering,” while the same poll described the overall governor’s race as a toss-up.
- Nixon’s campaign highlighted her role in passing a statewide $15-minimum-wage referendum and in defending library books that some schools sought to remove.
Criticism & Opposition
Trump framed Jolly’s party switch as evidence of division among Floridians and accused the Democratic ticket of ignoring core issues such as housing, health-care, education, and the proliferation of data centers.
What’s Next
Florida voters will decide the Senate and governor’s races on Nov. 3, the scheduled election day. Early voting is already underway across the state.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Florida holds a special place in my heart. We won twice, because you believed in a better future. Now, I'm supporting David Jolly for Governor because he believes in it, too,” — Barack Obama, former president
- “That's why I believe Angie will be an outstanding U.S. Senator,” — Barack Obama, former president