Orange County Mayor Demings files for 2026 Florida governor race

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has officially filed to run for governor of Florida in 2026, entering the Democratic primary against former Congressman David Jolly, a former Republican who opposes President Donald Trump. Demings, a trailblazer as Orlando's first Black Police Chief, Orange County Sheriff, and Mayor, has been a vocal critic of Governor Ron DeSantis, especially on issues like immigration enforcement. His campaign will hold an official announcement rally in early November in Orlando. On the Republican side, Trump-endorsed Congressman Byron Donalds is the frontrunner, with former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner also running, while Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins remains undecided. Demings’ entry intensifies the race to replace the term-limited Gov. DeSantis, highlighting significant intra-party competition as Democrats navigate between Jolly and Demings, and Republicans rally behind Donalds. The campaign is shaping up to be a pivotal contest in Florida politics with Demings positioning himself as a strong candidate with deep local roots and a record of leadership in Orange County.