The race for Florida Governor is heating up! Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has officially filed paperwork to run for the state’s top job, throwing his hat into the ring against incumbent Ron DeSantis. This move positions Demings as a significant Democratic contender in the Sunshine State.
A Familiar Face in Florida Politics
Demings, a prominent figure in central Florida politics, has served as the Mayor of Orange County since 2018. Before that, he dedicated nine years to serving as the Orange County Sheriff. His political career also includes his marriage to former Congresswoman Val Demings, who previously challenged Marco Rubio for a U.S. Senate seat.
His decision to run for governor on Halloween 2025 marks a historic moment, as it means Florida could see Black gubernatorial nominees from both major parties for the first time. Demings will be vying for the Democratic nomination, potentially facing former U.S. Rep. David Jolly.
Facing Republican Opposition
On the Republican side, Florida is looking at a potential matchup between President Donald Trump-endorsed Rep. Byron Donalds and the Republican Governors Association (RGA). Donalds’ campaign has already begun targeting Demings, labeling him as “weak,” “woke,” and “wrong for Florida,” and asserting that his campaign will focus on opposing Trump’s policies.
The RGA has also criticized both Demings and Jolly, with spokeswoman Courtney Alexander questioning the Democrats’ candidate pool. Despite the early attacks, Demings appears undeterred, with rumors suggesting he’s assembling a strong campaign team, including key staffer Dylan Doody.
A Historic Candidacy and Voter Turnout
At 66 years old, Demings would be the first Black Democrat to run for governor of Florida since Andrew Gillum’s unsuccessful bid against DeSantis in 2018. His candidacy comes at a time when boosting Black voter turnout is seen as crucial for the Democratic Party in the largely red-leaning state. Data indicates that Black voters, while representing 13% of active registered voters, have shown declining participation in recent elections.
Demings is slated for an official campaign announcement rally on November 6th, where he is expected to lay out his vision for Florida.
What are your thoughts on Jerry Demings entering the Florida gubernatorial race? Do you think he has a strong chance against the Republican candidates? Share your opinions in the comments below!