Jerry Demings, age 66, is the Orange County Mayor (since 2018) and the first African American elected to that position. A 37+ year law enforcement veteran, Demings served as Orlando Police Chief (1998-2002, becoming the first African American to hold the post) and Orange County Sheriff (2009-2018). He is married to former U.S. Congresswoman Val Demings, who was the 2022 Democratic U.S. Senate nominee. Demings filed to run for governor on November 3, 2025, launching his campaign on November 6, 2025, calling it his 'I believe campaign' emphasizing his law enforcement experience and affordability agenda.
Jerry Demings was born June 12, 1959, in Orlando, Florida, and grew up in West Orlando. His father was a taxi driver and mother a maid. He graduated from Jones High School in Orlando, holds a bachelor's degree in finance from Florida State University, and a master's degree in business administration from Orlando College. He is married to former U.S. Representative Val Demings (D-FL), who was the 2022 Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate. They have three children and five grandchildren.