FRANK RUSSO CHALLENGES DAVID JOLLY TO A ONE-ON-ONE FLORIDA POLICY DEBATE

Two Men. Two Human Beings. Two Former Republicans.
Two Different Paths. One Decision for Florida Families.

NEW SMYRNA, Fla., Aug. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida gubernatorial candidate Frank J. Russo today publicly challenged Democratic nominee David Jolly to a one-on-one policy debate focused on the issues affecting Florida families.

Russo says the debate should move beyond party labels and political talking points and give Floridians a chance to compare two human beings - their judgment, experience, values and, most importantly, their plans for Florida.

"David Jolly and I both came from the Republican Party. We both made a decision to leave." Frank Russo said. "We took different paths. Now let's put the labels aside and stand before the people of Florida as two human beings and two men asking for the responsibility to lead this state."

Russo's challenge is simple: Let Floridians judge the candidates by what they have built, what they have led, what they believe and what they will actually do for Florida families.

"This election should not be about a letter next to somebody's name. It should be about wisdom, leadership, accountability and results." Russo said. "What is better for your family? Who has a written plan? Who can defend it? Who has the experience to execute it?"

Russo is calling for a substantive debate focused on the issues Floridians are dealing with every day, including:

• Homeowners insurance and housing affordability
• Property taxes and Florida's state budget
• Teachers and education
• Jobs, economic growth and artificial intelligence
• Individual rights and the role of government

Russo says the debate should give both candidates the opportunity to defend their ideas and let voters make their own decision.

"No personal attacks. No political theater. David, bring your plans. I'll bring mine. Russo said. "Let the moderators challenge our numbers, challenge our records and challenge our judgment. Then let Floridians decide."

Jolly served in Congress as a Republican, later became an independent and ultimately joined the Democratic Party.

Russo also made the decision to leave the Republican Party but chose a different path, running for governor without a major-party label and putting forward detailed proposals focused on the issues he says matter most to Florida families.

Russo says neither candidate should be judged simply by where he started — or the political label he carries today.

"People are allowed to change. The real question is why we changed, what we believe today and which direction is better for Florida families," Russo said. "That is the conversation I want Florida to hear."

Russo ended his challenge with a direct invitation:

"David, let's do it. One stage. Two men. Two human beings. Two different paths. Put the plans on the table. Forget the labels and let Florida families decide," said Russo.

About Frank J. Russo:
Frank J. Russo is a lifelong Floridian, entrepreneur, insurance executive, real estate developer, and humanitarian with more than 40 years of business leadership, including over 30 years in the insurance industry. Based in New Smyrna Beach, Russo is running for Governor to restore affordability, strengthen Florida's economy, and build a government focused on practical solutions that put Floridians first. For more information, or to volunteer or donate, visit Russo2026.com.

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SOURCE Frank J. Russo for Governor