David Jolly Adds Veteran Democratic Strategist Joe Trippi to Campaign Team
Former Republican congressman recruits nationally known Democratic strategist and veteran of Howard Dean’s presidential campaign to lead gubernatorial bid.
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly announced Tuesday he has recruited three veteran political operatives to his senior leadership team, including nationally recognized strategist Joe Trippi who managed Howard Dean’s presidential campaign in 2003-2004.
The new hires include Trippi, public policy adviser Kimberly G. Jackson, and longtime Miami-Dade Democratic strategist Christian Ulvert, according to the campaign announcement.
Veteran Strategist Brings National Experience
Trippi, 69, brings more than four decades of Democratic political experience to Jolly’s gubernatorial bid. The veteran operative has worked with prominent Democrats including Ted Kennedy, Walter Mondale, and Doug Jones throughout his career.
Most recently, Trippi has been working with the Lincoln Project. His most high-profile campaign role came during Vermont Governor Howard Dean’s unsuccessful bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2003 and 2004.
Additional Team Members
Jackson currently serves as executive director of the Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions at St. Petersburg College. As an attorney, she has focused on disability rights, education advocacy, and public policy strategy.
Ulvert is president of EDGE Communications, a political consulting firm based in Miami. He previously worked as communications director and policy adviser for the Florida House Democratic Caucus under then-Leader Dan Gelber. Most recently, he served as lead strategist for Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s successful re-election campaign last year.
Campaign Builds Momentum
“This is a race with profound national implications,” Jolly said in a written statement. “As the country is now tuning into Florida and investing in Democratic prospects in the Sunshine State, we are continuing to build the team to win and deliver historic change. I’m thrilled to have Kimberly, Christian and Joe on board.”
Jolly, a former Republican member of Congress, currently leads Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings in the few public opinion polls that have surveyed likely Democratic primary voters. The Democratic primary election is scheduled for August 18.
The campaign expansion comes as Florida’s gubernatorial race draws increasing attention from national Democratic organizations and donors looking to compete in the traditionally Republican-leaning state.
