Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings Enters Florida Governor’s Race

November 7, 2025

Jerry Demings, the Democratic mayor of Orange County, Florida, has entered the race for governor to replace term-limited Ron DeSantis. Demings, who previously served as Orange County sheriff and leads the county containing Orlando's major theme parks, would become Florida's first African American governor if elected. His wife, former Representative Val Demings, ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate in 2022, giving him exposure to statewide campaigning.

Who is affected

Jerry Demings (Orange County Mayor and gubernatorial candidate)
Orange County residents
The 29 total gubernatorial candidates
Democratic voters in Florida
Residents of Florida's third most populous state
Major contenders: David Jolly, Byron Donalds, and Paul Renner

What action is being taken

Jerry Demings has filed official papers to run for Florida governor.

Why it matters

This race will determine leadership of the nation's third most populous state, which has shifted significantly toward Republicans in recent years. If successful, Demings would make history as Florida's first African American governor. The election will test whether Democrats can regain ground in a state that has trended increasingly Republican under DeSantis's leadership, particularly as Orange County represents one of the few remaining Democratic strongholds in Florida.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint