Val Demings Enters Florida Governor's Race Amidst Crowded Field of Candidates

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In a developing political landscape, Democratic Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has officially entered the race for Florida governor. He adds his name to a growing list of nearly 30 hopefuls aiming for the state’s top executive position.

Demings stands out as one of the more prominent figures in this extensive pool of candidates. His political journey includes notable roles such as Orange County sheriff and the police chief of Orlando.

“There will be a new sheriff in town,” Demings confidently declared.

Meanwhile, Florida’s open carry law is stirring debates over safety and consistency issues.

With a substantial resume featuring seven years as the head of Orange County’s government and a longstanding career in law enforcement, Demings is banking on his experience to attract voter support.

“No other candidate in this race can claim the local-level leadership experience that I bring to the table,” Demings stated.

“I believe in lawful immigration, but I do believe that enforcement should be done consistent with the law, as well as in a humane way,” Demings said.

Demings ended up signing an amended 287(g) agreement requiring his local corrections officers to transport migrant detainees to ICE detention centers.

“I’ve chosen to get into the fight to try to change the imbalance of power and influence that we have now in the state of Florida,” Demings said.

His main Democratic opponent is former Rep. David Jolly.

“I welcome Mayor Demings to the race, but it does not change the task at hand for me,” Jolly said. “When I got into this race four months ago, I knew that my job was to reach every single voter. Yes, that includes in the Democratic primary but I’m also talking about independents and Republicans.”

The leading Republican candidates include Trump-endorsed Rep. Byron Donalds and former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner.

“Jerry Demings’ plan for Florida is the same as (Mayor-elect) Zohran Mamdani’s plan for New York: more government and higher taxes,” Donalds said.

Demings has not directly responded to Donalds but did say “the other side” is in fear following the mayor’s entrance into the race.

Renner continues to campaign on being one of the key figures that helped in Florida’s Republican gains involving policy and political figures. However, DeSantis has declined to endorse him.

“You can’t separate his legacy from what I did as one of the architects of what we call ‘the free state of Florida’ today. Eventually, I’m confident I’ll have his support,” Renner said.

The mayor is married to Val Demings, who served as an Orlando police chief, a congresswoman, and ran for U.S. Senate in Florida.