Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, a prominent Democrat in Central Florida, has officially filed to run for Florida Governor, according to records from the Florida Division of Elections website.
Demings filed the paperwork on October 31st, officially launching his bid for the state’s highest office.
Demings, who was first sworn in as Orange County’s fifth elected Mayor on December 4, 2018, and was reelected in 2022, will seek the Democratic nomination in a race to replace term-limited Governor Ron DeSantis.
His entry immediately injects significant attention into the Democratic primary, which already includes declared candidates like former U.S. Rep. David Jolly.
The announcement drew swift and strong criticism from the campaign of Republican gubernatorial candidate and President Trump-endorsed U.S. Representative Byron Donalds.
Ryan Smith, Chief Strategist for the Byron Donalds for Governor Campaign, released a fiery statement, framing Demings as a “radical” figure out of step with the state.
“Jerry Demings is the candidate the radical Florida Democrat party has been dreaming of. As police chief, Demings pushed weak-on-crime policies. As Orange County Mayor, he refused to work with ICE to deport criminal illegals and pushed radical ideas like allowing grown men in girls’ locker rooms and men to compete in girls’ sports. And as a candidate, his entire campaign will be about fighting President Trump and his policies that are making Florida safer and stronger. Jerry Demings is weak. He’s woke. And he’s wrong for Florida,” Smith said.
“While Florida Democrats are fighting over who can go further to the left, Trump-endorsed Byron Donalds will stay focused on fighting for Florida’s families, freedoms, and future.”
The gubernatorial election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
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