Polling Average
40%30%20%10%0%
20.2%
27.7%
Florida Democratic Governor nominee?
$27.1K
AUG 19, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleMayor
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyModerate Democrat
Age67 years old (Jun 12, 1959)
GenderMale
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LocationFlorida
BackgroundPolitician
EducationJones High School (Orlando, Florida)
Notable personal detailsJerry L. Demings is an American politician and former law enforcement officer who has served as Mayor of Orange County, Florida since 2018 and was re-elected in 2022. He previously served as Orlando’s first African American police chief and later became the first African American elected as Orange County Sheriff, serving multiple terms. He holds degrees in finance and business administration and has completed executive training including the FBI National Academy and study at Harvard’s Kennedy School.
SourcesShowHide
ocfl.neten.wikipedia.orgapnews.comcommons.wikimedia.orgnewsroom.ocfl.netespanol.orangecountyfl.netes.wikipedia.orgorangeobserver.comninos.kiddle.coa.osmarks.netwikidata.orgoccupyorangecounty.comtime.comorangecountyfl.netmyfloridahistory.orgcbsnews.comoccompt.comnews.fsu.eduleecountydems.orgjerrydemingsforgovernor.orgclickorlando.comwflx.comfox4now.comwptv.comwesh.comorlandosentinel.comyahoo.comcfpublic.orgwftv.compolitico.comflvoicenews.comfloridasunreview.comorlando.govwusf.orgfloridaphoenix.comadventhealth.comfloridapolitics.cominstagram.comomeganetworkforaction.orgmiamitimesonline.comtallahassee.commynews13.comjaxtoday.orgmiamiherald.comaskflagler.comlatintimes.comfloridianpress.comcommunityjournal.netfacebook.comjustfacts.votesmart.orgdeveloper.ballotpedia.orgcdn.ballotpedia.orgnews.ballotpedia.orggovinfo.govplaskett.house.govnga.orgfrost.house.govcongress.govfec.govbioguideretro.congress.govhsgac.senate.govtran.house.gov
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.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJul 4, 2026
Jerry Demings has withdrawn from the Florida Democratic governor’s race after saying he is being treated for prostate cancer. His exit leaves David Jolly as the leading Democrat and likely nominee, with recent reports saying Jolly is now preparing for the general election. Earlier polling had shown Demings and Jolly trailing likely Republican nominee Byron Donalds by single digits.
ocfl.net+61
Articles
HHerald-Tribune25 days ago
David Jolly taps Sean Pittman to lead future transition team
Neutral
TTCPalm26 days ago
Gwen Graham named as David Jolly's running mate by pastor
Neutral
NNewsweek29 days ago
Byron Donalds' Chances of Losing in Florida as Jerry Demings Exits Race
Neutral
TDTallahassee Democrat4 months ago
Demings and Jolly contrast styles in Florida governor race
Neutral
Polls
Florida Democratic Governor nominee?
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
Florida Democratic Governor nominee?
Endorsers of Jerry Demings for Florida Democratic Governor nominee?
Omega Network for Action
Elected official
Omega Network for Action endorsed Jerry Demings for governor.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2022Total 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