Obama endorses Nixon, Jolly in last-minute campaign boost

Former President Obama has endorsed the Democratic candidates in Florida’s Senate and gubernatorial races less than two weeks ahead of the midterm elections.

Democratic gubernatorial nominee David Jolly and Democratic Senate candidate Angie Nixon both shared videos of Obama showing support for their campaigns Saturday morning on social platform X.

“Real change starts when regular folks stand up for what’s right and Angie has spent her career standing up for you,” Obama, who won Florida in both his presidential campaigns, said in a video shared by Nixon in her post .

In the video, Obama said that Nixon has consistently fought for policies to help people including $15 minimum wage and trying to stop congressional redistricting in Florida.

“One leader willing to stand up again and again for what’s right,” he said. “That’s why I believe Angie will be an outstanding U.S. Senator.”

Nixon said in her post that both she and Obama started as organizers in their communities “because we immediately understood that real changes come from regular folks joining the fight.”

Since her win in the Democratic primary earlier this year, Nixon has garnered support from several lawmakers, including Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) who campaigned with her last week, as she takes on her GOP opponent, Sen, Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), who was appointed to Marco Rubio’s seat when he became Secretary of State.

In the video shared by Jolly in his post , Obama called the former Republican congressman turned Democrat “independent-minded” and said he is “focused on lowering the cost of housing and healthcare and making sure every child gets a great education.”

“Elections are about who will fight for you and in this election, it’s David Jolly,” he added. “So, let’s do this Florida. Vote for the change you deserve.”

In his post, Jolly said he is honored to have Obama’s support.

Jolly served one term in the House as a Republican before becoming an independent in 2019. He registered as a Democrat last year and launched his gubernatorial bid. Jolly will face off against Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) in November.