Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has formally declared his candidacy for Florida Governor, setting the stage for what could become one of the most closely watched races in the 2026 election cycle. The announcement, made Thursday in Orlando, follows months of speculation about whether the veteran Democrat would take a statewide leap.
A Veteran Public Servant Steps Forward
Demings, who has served as Orange County Mayor since 2018, filed official paperwork earlier in the week. The longtime public official built his career through decades of service in law enforcement and county leadership. Before his election as mayor, he spent ten years as Orange County Sheriff and previously rose through the ranks of the Orlando Police Department, where he served for nearly thirty years.
His wife, Val Demings, a former U.S. Representative and Orlando Police Chief, has also played a major role in Florida’s political landscape. Together, the couple has become one of the state’s most prominent political families.
A Platform Focused on Everyday Floridians
In his campaign launch speech, Demings emphasized his plan to “bring practical, people-centered leadership to Tallahassee.” His platform focuses on stabilizing Florida’s property insurance market, which has seen costs surge for homeowners across the state. He also pledged to protect reproductive rights, defend access to abortion care, and invest in environmental restoration, particularly the Everglades and Florida’s coastal ecosystems.
“Floridians deserve leadership that listens, not lectures,” Demings said during his announcement. “This campaign is about restoring balance and common sense to state government.”
An Uphill Battle for Democrats
Despite his high name recognition and executive experience, Demings faces a steep climb. Florida has leaned increasingly Republican in recent years, and the GOP currently controls the governorship, both U.S. Senate seats, and enjoys a strong advantage in the state legislature. The last Democrat to occupy the governor’s office was Lawton Chiles, who left office in 1998.
Political analysts note that Demings’ moderate tone and experience managing Orange County’s $8.9 billion annual budget could appeal to independents and centrist voters. Still, his campaign will need to mobilize strong turnout from key Democratic bases in South Florida, Central Florida, and urban areas like Orlando and Tampa.
Building Momentum Across the State
Demings’ early campaign strategy centers on his accomplishments as mayor – particularly job creation, infrastructure improvements, and crisis management during hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic. His campaign team plans to highlight those successes while expanding his reach beyond his Central Florida base.
Over the coming months, Demings is expected to embark on a statewide tour, holding town halls and listening sessions to connect with voters from Miami to Pensacola. His campaign has already begun recruiting experienced strategists and community organizers as he prepares for what is likely to be a crowded Democratic primary field.
Looking Ahead
With his blend of law enforcement experience, executive leadership, and bipartisan appeal, Jerry Demings is positioning himself as a pragmatic alternative in a polarized political climate. Whether that message will resonate across Florida’s diverse electorate remains to be seen – but his entry has already injected new energy and attention into the state’s 2026 governor’s race.
