Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has officially entered Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial race, filing his paperwork on Friday. This move positions him as the first major Democratic challenger looking to succeed Governor Ron DeSantis, who faces term limits.
“Florida needs leadership that brings people together rather than dividing us,” Demings told me during a phone interview yesterday. His decision comes after months of behind-the-scenes conversations with state Democratic leaders seeking a strong candidate with executive experience.
Demings brings a compelling personal narrative to the race. Before his mayoral role, he served as Orange County Sheriff and Orlando Police Chief. This public safety background may help address Republican advantages on crime issues that have troubled Democrats in recent elections.
“I’ve spent my career making tough decisions to protect communities and promote prosperity,” Demings explained. “That’s exactly what our state needs now.”
The timing of his announcement isn’t coincidental. Campaign finance reports show Demings has quietly raised over $1.2 million through his political committee, Floridians for Responsible Government, during the past quarter. According to state election data, this fundraising pace outstrips early totals from previous Democratic gubernatorial candidates.
State Representative Anna Eskamani praised Demings’ entry. “Jerry understands both urban and rural Florida concerns. His executive experience running our state’s fifth-largest county demonstrates he can manage complex government operations effectively,” she said.
Political analysts note Demings faces significant challenges. Florida’s political landscape has shifted dramatically rightward, with Republicans holding all statewide offices and supermajorities in both legislative chambers. Voter registration figures from the Florida Division of Elections show Republicans now outnumber Democrats by over 850,000 voters statewide.
University of Central Florida political science professor Aubrey Jewett points to another advantage. “Mayor Demings has higher name recognition than previous Democratic candidates at this stage, particularly in Central Florida, which is crucial for Democrats’ statewide chances,” Jewett noted.
Demings’ campaign will focus on what he calls “kitchen table issues” – affordable housing, healthcare access, and economic opportunity. His policy platform emphasizes practical solutions rather than ideological battles that have characterized Florida politics recently.
“While Tallahassee focuses on culture wars, Floridians worry about insurance costs, housing prices, and quality education for their children,” Demings said during his announcement. “I’m running to address real problems facing real people.”
His candidacy may benefit from family connections. His wife, Val Demings, served as a U.S. Representative and ran against Senator Marco Rubio in 2022. Though she lost that race, she built valuable donor relationships and campaign infrastructure that could bolster her husband’s efforts.
Republicans have already started attacking Demings’ record. Florida GOP Chairman Evan Power released a statement yesterday calling him “another tax-and-spend liberal who will reverse Florida’s economic success.” The statement referenced Demings’ support for a transportation tax in Orange County that voters ultimately rejected.
Democratic strategists see Demings as uniquely positioned to rebuild their coalition. His law enforcement background may appeal to moderate voters while his economic policies energize the progressive base. Internal polling from the Florida Democratic Party shows Demings performs better with independent voters than previous candidates.
“He’s not easily pigeonholed ideologically,” Democratic consultant Steve Schale told the Orlando Sentinel last week. “That makes him harder for Republicans to attack with their usual playbook.”
The 2026 race remains distant, but early positioning matters for fundraising and organization. Other potential Democratic candidates include Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and former Governor Charlie Crist, though neither has indicated definite plans to run.
Republican contenders remain unofficial, but Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez and Attorney General Ashley Moody are frequently mentioned as potential successors to DeSantis.
Demings’ campaign will test whether Democrats can regain footing in what was once considered a premier swing state. Recent election cycles have seen Florida trend Republican, but changing demographics and potential voter fatigue with one-party rule could create openings.
“Florida’s best days come when leaders focus on solutions, not division,” Demings concluded. “That’s the approach I’ve taken throughout my career, and that’s how I’ll govern as Florida’s next governor.”
The road to the governor’s mansion remains challenging, but Demings’ early entry gives Democrats something they’ve recently lacked in Florida – hope.
