More than two dozen pastors from historically Black congregations across Florida have formed “Faith Leaders for Florida’s Future,” a new coalition backing Democrat David Jolly’s campaign for governor.

The group, chaired by the Rev. R.B. Holmes Jr. of Tallahassee’s Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, described the former congressman as a candidate offering “fresh vision” and the ability to win statewide.

“Congressman Jolly brings a fresh vision, a fresh voice, fresh energy – and he can win,” said Holmes – like Jolly, a former Republican – in a statement. “We’re supporting Jolly, joyfully. We want him to be our next governor.”

Organizers said the coalition is launching with clergy representing churches of varying sizes in African American communities and plans to expand to additional faith traditions in the coming months. Founding members include pastors from Tallahassee, Pensacola, Jacksonville, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, and Plant City.

But Jolly has a tall challenge in a state that hasn’t selected a Democrat as governor since 1994, when Lawton Chiles won reelection against a GOP challenge from Jeb Bush. Moreover, Republicans now enjoy a statewide advantage in voter registration over Democrats of 5.5 million to 4.1 million, a gap of nearly 1.4 million.

‘A chance for new leadership’

“We have a chance for new leadership with Congressman Jolly,” said the Rev. Marcel Davis of Adoration Ministries for a New Beginning in Pensacola. “He’s putting in the time, he’s leading with heart, and he’s a fighter.”

In a press release, Holmes said the pastors were particularly drawn to Jolly’s support for food security programs, expanded healthcare access, stronger public schools, higher wages, and protections for seniors.

Jolly, who served in Congress as a Republican before leaving the party in 2018, said the committee’s support strengthens his bid to lead the state: “Together they see the real impact on Florida’s families from the current administration’s affordability crisis and culture wars.”

Jolly said the coalition will help drive a campaign focused on broad-based economic growth and “a state where everyone is given dignity and respect.”

The pastors plan to hold a virtual media availability on Nov. 12. Here’s the full list of founding members of the coalition, according to the Jolly campaign:

The Rev. R.B. Holmes, Jr. of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Tallahassee (chair)

The Rev. Marcel Davis of Adoration Ministries for a New Beginning Church, Pensacola

The Rev. Tommy J. Daymond, Jr. of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Tallahassee

The Rev. Michael Fegins of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Tallahassee

The Rev. Tyler Hardeman, Sr. of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Pensacola

The Rev. Robert Likely of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Pensacola

The Rev. Judy Mandrell of Life Changers Church of God in Christ Church, Tallahassee

The Rev. Joseph L. Marshall of St. John Divine Missionary Baptist Church, Pensacola

The Rev. Richard Mashburn of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Tallahassee

The Rev. Christopher McKee, Jr. of The Church of Oakland, Jacksonville

The Rev. Patrick A. Miller of Bethlehem Bible Church, Sarasota

The Rev. Jason Montgomery of Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, Plant City

The Rev. G. Gregg Murray of Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church, St. Petersburg

The Rev. Frederick Newbill of First Timothy Baptist Church, Jacksonville

The Rev. John Allen Newman of The Sanctuary at Mt. Calvary, Jacksonville

The Rev. Frank Peterman of The Rock of Jesus Missionary Baptist Church, St. Petersburg

The Rev. Delarian Pogue III of King Harvest Christian Ministries, Pensacola

The Rev. George Proctor of Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church, Tallahassee

The Rev. Paxton Rogers of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, Tallahassee

The Rev. Jeffrey Rumlin of The Dayspring Church, Jacksonville

The Rev. Manuel L. Sykes of Bethel Community Baptist Church, St. Petersburg

The Rev. Don Tolliver of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Tallahassee

The Rev. Lonnie Wesley of Greater Little Rock Baptist Church, Pensacola

The Rev. Isaac Williams of Greater True Vine Baptist Church, Pensacola

The Rev. Joseph Wright of Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, Tallahassee

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Black faith leaders endorse David Jolly for Florida governor