Democrat David Jolly held a rally Saturday, Oct. 31, at Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center in Sarasota, part of his closing push before Tuesday's election for Florida governor.

Jolly brought his "Believe in Better" campaign tour to Sarasota County after a morning rally in Pasco County, WWSB reported.

"I think voters are voting for change and we're seeing that in Sarasota County now for two years," Jolly said at the event. "This election is going to be decided by the people who show up."

Jolly said he was encouraged by what he was seeing in Sarasota County and believes voter turnout will play a major role in the outcome. He said he feels good heading into Election Day.

His Republican opponent, Byron Donalds, also campaigned in Sarasota County. Donalds visited North Port on Wednesday, Oct. 28, where he encouraged voters to head to the polls, according to WWSB.

"We want to make sure that people get out to vote," Donalds said. "Obviously as a Republican, yeah, you want Republicans to get out and vote, but it's about the future of Florida."

Donalds added that he wants to see Florida's government continue to be among the best in the country.

Where they differ

The two candidates offer distinct visions for the state. Jolly, a former Republican congressman who registered as a Democrat in April 2025, has centered his campaign on affordability and insurance costs. According to WUSF, his campaign website says he would create a state-backed disaster fund he claims would cut homeowner insurance premiums by 60% to 70%. He has also called for increased investment in public education and proposed a moratorium on data center development, according to his campaign website.

Donalds, a U.S. representative who lives in Naples, has framed his campaign around continuing Florida's current economic and social policies, according to WWSB's earlier reporting. He has argued that low taxes and limited government regulation have fueled the state's growth. At a campaign stop in mid-October, Donalds said his plan would lower insurance premiums by 20%, according to WWSB.

On abortion, the candidates also split. Donalds called Florida's six-week abortion ban "the right move" in comments documented by Florida Politics, as WUSF reported. He said it is not the right time for more state restrictions. Jolly's campaign website says he would replace the six-week ban with a law permitting abortion until fetal viability, according to WUSF.

What to know for Tuesday

Sarasota County has more than 326,000 registered voters. In-person early voting ran from Oct. 19 through Sunday, Nov. 1, according to the Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections. Vote-by-mail ballots must be received by the Supervisor of Elections Office by 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Jolly's campaign is planning an Election Night watch party at the Tampa Convention Center, with livestreamed remarks starting at 6:30 p.m., according to WWSB.