Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly at the Labor Day event in Tampa on Sept.7, 2026. Photo by Daria Mironova/WMNF News.

The West Central Florida Labor Council hosted the Tampa Labor Day community gathering. Families shared lunch while those running for office talked with union members, media, and each other. Several candidates brought their children, giving voters a chance to see them as parents as well as public figures.

David Jolly discusses the meaning of Labor Day

Democratic gubernatorial nominee David Jolly told WMNF what Labor Day means to him.

“In the midst of an affordability crisis, Labor Day means that everyone in this country needs an economy that’s going to help them afford home ownership, afford their rent, afford health care,” Jolly said.

David Jolly at the Tampa Labor Day event on Sept.7, 2026. Photo by Daria Mironova/WMNF News.

He added that the holiday means more this year because too many people have been left behind.

Daniela Simic celebrates teachers and families

Daniela Simic is running for the Hillsborough County School Board in District 2. She said the campaign has given her new opportunities to meet people who serve their communities.

“I’ve been able to go to so many fun events like this that I never would have gone to before,” Simic said.

Simic has worked in education for 25 years and started her career as a teacher. She said parents understand how much a consistent, well-supported teacher matters to their children.

“We know that the number one most important person is that teacher. There’s not a single parent in this world that would say, ‘Oh, I’m okay with not having a consistent teacher in my classroom.’”

She said schools must give teachers the working conditions they need.

Daniela Simic talks to community members at the Tampa Labor Day event on Sept.7, 2026. Photo by Daria Mironova/WMNF News.

Aileen Rodriguez recognizes local workers

Aileen Rodriguez is running for the Hillsborough County Commission in the countywide District 7 race. She wore pink, a color she chose for her campaign because she sees it as energetic, joyful, and connected to positive change.

Rodriguez said Labor Day honors everyone who helps build and support the community.

“Labor Day is a federal holiday put in place to acknowledge every single person that’s working to make our community what it is,” Rodriguez said. “Our teachers, our firefighters, our nurses, the plumbers – everybody.”

What’s next?

All three candidates will appear on the November ballot.

Jolly will run against Republican Byron Donalds and others for governor.

Simic and Brittany Lyssy are competing for the District 2 School Board seat.

Rodriguez is challenging Republican incumbent Joshua Wostal in the District 7 commission race.

Those other candidates did not attend the Labor Day gathering.