All articles tagged with #florida governor race
Jerry Demings, mayor of Orange County, Florida, has announced his candidacy for governor as a Democrat in the 2026 race to succeed term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis, positioning himself as a centrist and potential challenger to Republican candidates, amid a competitive and racially significant election landscape.
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has filed to run for governor of Florida, positioning himself as a leading Democratic contender in a race that includes other notable candidates like David Jolly. Demings, a trailblazer as the first African American to serve as Orlando police chief and Orange County sheriff, has a history of clashes with GOP leaders and has recently been critical of state policies. His campaign faces a challenging landscape in a heavily Republican state, with potential Republican rivals including Byron Donalds and Paul Renner.
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has officially entered the Florida governor race, potentially marking the first time both major parties have Black nominees for governor in the state's history. His campaign faces criticism from Republicans, notably from Ryan Smith of Donalds' campaign, who attacks Demings' policies and character. Demings's entry challenges former Rep. David Jolly for the Democratic nomination, with Jolly gaining endorsements and campaign support from prominent figures.
Former GOP congressman David Jolly announced his run for Florida governor as a Democrat, citing his opposition to Trump and the Republican Party's culture wars, aiming to challenge the state's shifting political landscape and current GOP candidates.