Mitch Perry
The war of words between David Jolly and Charlie Crist has already started, with Jolly accusing his Democratic opponent of lying about his support for Donald Trump.
David Jolly defeated Mark Bircher in the Republican race for Pinellas County’s 13th Congressional District earlier in the evening, and now looks forward to what could be one of the most interesting congressional races in the country as he faces Crist in November.
Jolly led Bircher, 75 to 25 percent, with not all the votes completely counted.
“This Republican primary season has been pretty frightening,” Crist said in a statement. “It saddens me to think that anyone who supports Donald Trump’s agenda could ever represent Pinellas County. And I look forward to sharing our vision for seniors, veterans, women, students, and our environment in the weeks ahead.”
But Jolly has not come out in support of Trump, something he made sure that Crist – and everyone else – knows going forward.
“On Day One of the general election campaign, Charlie Crist has already knowingly lied to the people of Pinellas County, Jolly said. “We each have strong convictions about the presidential candidates. I have not endorsed any candidate in the presidential race and for Charlie to suggest otherwise is one more glaring reason why his dishonesty will lead him to defeat in November. You just can’t trust Charlie.”
Jolly comes into the race as an underdog, despite one internal poll he conducted earlier this summer that showed him leading in the contest.
The former Florida governor became the Democratic nominee after his only challenger, Eric Lynn, dropped out of the contest back in May to run for a state legislative seat. Polls showed Crist with an overwhelming advantage over Lynn, a first-time candidate.
