Florida Democratic Governor nominee?
5dJerry Demings has raised $81,084,464 this cycle, but David Jolly leads the latest odds for the Florida Democratic Governor nominee race.
0%
Democrat
Jerry Demings
Democratic candidate for Governor in Florida
Democrat
Florida Democratic Governor nominee?
$57.5K
AUG 25, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Live Odds — Florida Democratic Governor nominee?
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
0.1%chance to win
$57.5KAUG 25, 2026Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current roleMayor
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyModerate Democrat
Age67 years old (Jun 12, 1959)
GenderMale
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LocationFlorida
BackgroundPolitician
EducationFlorida State University — B.S., Finance
Notable personal detailsJerry L. Demings is an American politician and former law-enforcement officer who has served as the elected Mayor of Orange County, Florida, since December 4, 2018. He previously served as Sheriff of Orange County (2009–2018) and as Chief of the Orlando Police Department (1998–2002). He earned a B.S. in finance from Florida State University and an M.B.A. from Orlando College, and he is married to former U.S. Representative Val Demings.
SourcesShowHide
ocfl.netespanol.ocfl.neten.wikipedia.orgcommons.wikimedia.orgapnews.comwftv.comorangeobserver.comxwhos.comlinkedin.commoba.mlga.ek.gov.ngoccompt.combgca.orgdemings-ciq.comhsgac.senate.govocso.comgovinfo.govupload.wikimedia.orglegis.iowa.govjerrydemingsforgovernor.orgclickorlando.comwflx.comfox4now.comwptv.comwesh.comorlandosentinel.comyahoo.comcfpublic.orgnewsroom.ocfl.netpolitico.comflvoicenews.comfloridasunreview.comorlando.govwusf.orgfloridaphoenix.comadventhealth.comfloridapolitics.commiamitimesonline.comfacebook.comomeganetworkforaction.orgtallahassee.comorlandoweekly.comfox35orlando.comaskflagler.comprismreports.orgorlandodreamers.comballotpedia.orgcdn.ballotpedia.orglegislation.ballotpedia.orgdeveloper.ballotpedia.orgdata.ballotpedia.orgdonate.ballotpedia.orgfrost.house.govcongress.govhistory.house.govballotready.orgiqconnect.house.gov
Political Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Supports using government revenue and targeted tax policies to fund public investments like affordable housing, infrastructure, and veteran hiring incentives while opposing proposals to eliminate property taxes; has advocated for a local 1-cent sales surtax for transportation and proposes state tax credits to encourage veteran employment.
Healthcare
The candidate supports expanding Medicaid to provide affordable coverage for Floridians and plans to hold insurance companies accountable to lower premiums and strengthen hospitals and clinics.
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Immigration & Border
The candidate emphasizes lawful immigration while resisting expanded local enforcement responsibilities for federal immigration actions and has criticized state pressure to adopt broader ICE transport/enforcement measures; he ultimately signed a modified 287(g) addendum under protest citing legal pressure and concerns about staffing and cost reimbursement. His statements indicate support for immigration law enforcement as a federal responsibility and concern for humanitarian/operational impacts at the local level.
Climate & Energy
Supports expanding renewable energy (including solar) and energy storage, modernizing building codes for efficiency, and investments to lower utility costs. Proposes protections for water resources, upgrades to wastewater systems, increased wetlands preservation, and a permanent ban on offshore drilling. Emphasizes clean, affordable in-state energy production and holding polluters accountable to reduce harmful runoff and algal blooms.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports expanded gun “guardrails,” including universal background checks and limits on open carry, and has pursued local efforts to reduce gun violence such as creating a community safety task force and funding youth violence-prevention programs.
Latest Candidate Updates
Recent changes in prediction-market odds, polling and campaign status.
Latest News
AINews Summary
Last updatedAug 17, 2026
Jerry Demings ended his campaign for Florida governor after saying he is being treated for prostate cancer. His exit left David Jolly as the leading Democrat in the race, with recent coverage shifting to the general-election matchup against likely Republican nominee Byron Donalds. Earlier reports had shown Demings and Jolly competing for the Democratic nomination, with Jolly holding a slight edge in some polls.
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Articles
HHerald-Tribune2 months ago
David Jolly taps Sean Pittman to lead future transition team
Neutral
TTCPalm2 months ago
Gwen Graham named as David Jolly's running mate by pastor
Neutral
NNewsweek2 months ago
Byron Donalds' Chances of Losing in Florida as Jerry Demings Exits Race
Neutral
TDTallahassee Democrat5 months ago
Demings and Jolly contrast styles in Florida governor race
Neutral
Latest Polls
Florida Democratic Governor nominee?
Recent polling results and the candidate's current average in the race.
Jerry Demings currently averages 21.5%, ranking second in this race, 8.1 points behind the next candidate.
Polling average: 21.5%Position: secondMargin: -8.1 ptsLatest poll: 27.0% (May 13 - 16)Polls included: 6
Average recalculated from polls through May 13 - 16.
Polling Average
40%30%20%10%0%
21.5%
29.6%
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
13Florida Democratic Governor nominee?
Campaign Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2022Campaign finance totals from the latest available reporting period.
Total raisedCash on hand
$81.1M
$60.8M
$40.5M
$20.3M
$0
2022
LatestYear
Total raised
Cash on hand
Total spent
Burn rate
Cycle 2022
$81.1M
$332.9K
$81.5M
$3.4M
Source: FEC