To Win the Student Vote, David Jolly Must Keep Listening
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By: Ashton Johnson
At the height of Florida A&M University’s homecoming, Florida gubernatorial candidate David Jolly did what most politicians don’t: he listened to student concerns after months of being ignored by university officials.
He sat down with FAMU Student Government Association President Zayla Bryant, Vice President Kennedy Williams, and student activist Devin Nobles. Jolly heard their concerns about preserving the university’s culture and future. Hope filled the room as he inquired about FAMU’s legacy and heartbeat. Jolly seemed genuinely interested in student leader concerns regarding the State University System. They wanted to know. what he would do to free FAMU from political influence.
The meeting was a big step toward connecting with the number one public HBCU. Restoring the autonomy of the university system is a top priority for Jolly. He has plans to do more to engage college students across Florida to earn their trust and votes. According to SGA President Bryant, many students worry about the university system where “politics matter more than people.”
Jolly has been vocal about investing in SUS and public schools. He repeats plans to replace most of the gubernatorial appointees in the state university system to restore leadership with a priority of “academic excellence, as the way to grow institutions of higher education.”
These platform points strike a chord with FAMU, as students felt their voices were ignored during the 2025 presidential search, which ended with the selection of President Marva Johnson. Students are tired of decisions being made without their input. Jolly’s willingness to meet with student leaders sends a clear message that he wants to listen and work with college students to rebuild the state’s university system.
This meeting offered a glimmer of optimism, but he has to keep showing up. For Jolly, rebuilding the state’s university system will not be easy. Still, with a plan in mind and the students on his side, Jolly’s journey to the governor’s office could mark a new era for higher education in Florida.
Listening tours should not end after the campaign season but become the blueprint for state leaders’ interactions with Florida’s next generation. Transparency in leadership is what college students are seeking. If Jolly can prove that our voice matters, he can win the trust of younger people who can continue to improve Florida.
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