Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has officially entered the race for Florida governor, having filed his candidacy on October 31, according to the Florida Department of State’s Candidate Listing. His announcement coincides with an upcoming rally scheduled this week at the Rosen Centre in Orlando, as reported by FOX 35 and other outlets.
Demings, who has been a prominent figure in local government since his election as Orange County Mayor in 2018—and reelection in 2022—will be among a growing list of contenders for the 2026 gubernatorial race. He made headlines earlier this year when it was reported by Peter Schorsch, publisher of Florida Politics, that Demings was planning to announce his candidacy.
As the first African American to hold the position of Orange County Mayor, Demings has had a notable career in law enforcement, serving as chief of the Orlando Police Department and later as the Orange County Sheriff from 2008 to 2016. His wife, Val Demings, is a notable political figure as well, having been the first woman to lead the Orlando Police Department and serving in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2017 to 2023.
The competitive field for the Florida governor’s mansion is shaping up with nearly 30 candidates having filed for the election, which will be held on November 3, 2026. The range of candidates includes individuals from various political backgrounds, reflecting the diverse political landscape of the state.
Incumbent Governor Ron DeSantis, who has served since 2018 and was re-elected in 2022, will reach the end of his term in early 2027 due to term limits, making this race particularly significant.
As the campaign unfolds, key dates for voters to remember include deadlines for registration, mail-in ballot requests, early voting periods, and the primary election day on August 18, 2026. With such a dynamic political atmosphere ahead, Florida’s voters will have the opportunity to shape the future of their state in the upcoming election.