A video circulating on X shows Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly stating that on day one a new governor could review and replace most of Ron DeSantis’ appointees to water district boards, utility boards, and the State University System in order to reverse what he described as damage to the state. The post also notes Jolly’s repeated promise to fire Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo immediately. Online users reacted after the clip, with many questioning whether the approach was a winning strategy and urging support for Republican Byron Donalds ahead of the election.
In the video, David Jolly speaks directly to the camera against a backdrop of campaign banners. He says, “Because on day one the new governor gets to review and replace most of Ron DeSantis’s appointees to our water district boards, our utility boards, and our state university system,” before adding, “A Florida Democratic governor could be effective on day one, but I need your help.” An on-screen caption states, “On Day 1, I’ll start to reverse the damage Ron DeSantis has done to our state.”
The accompanying post text highlights Jolly’s long-standing pledge to fire Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo on his first day and frames the board replacements as an effort to “wipe clean” DeSantis appointees.
According to reporting from the South Florida Sun Sentinel, Jolly has told audiences that virtually everyone who hears the Ladapo promise approves, and he has said, “It’s heartbreaking that science is now a political issue. People in Florida want to keep their kids safe.”
Separate coverage notes that the same pledge has drawn standing ovations at campaign events for more than a year. The video itself does not show the earlier portion of the remarks or any audience response.
Online Reactions to the Video of David Jolly’s Day-One Plans
Some commenters focused on reversing DeSantis-era policies and urged voters to support Byron Donalds. One wrote, “Get out and vote Florida because if these people win it will not be the free state of Florida anymore.”
Another said, “Imagine thinking this is a winning strategy,” while a third called Jolly “a gun grabbin commie.” A further reply stated, “The first good reason NOT to vote for that mofo! Florida has been prosperous and free,” and another wrote, “Screw Jolly! Vote Donalds.”
Others treated the surgeon general and appointee pledges as a reason to back Jolly. Florida Politics publisher Peter Schorsch posted, “Firing Ladapo is almost enough to vote for @DavidJollyFL.” One user wrote, “Number 1 reason to vote for @davidjollyfl: ‘Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo? Fired, day one.’”
Another replied, “Good deal. Clean out the muck. Garbage republicans.”
The clip has become part of the broader discussion surrounding the Florida governor’s race on Election Day. It remains unclear how the exchange will factor into voters’ final decisions as results come in.
