Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has dropped his bid for Florida governor following a diagnosis of prostate cancer. He announced his decision on Friday, saying he intended to focus on his recovery and his family.
“Earlier this week, I was diagnosed with a treatable form of prostate cancer,” Demings wrote on Friday. “After careful consideration, I have decided to suspend my campaign for governor of Florida so I can focus on my health, recovery, and family.”
The 2026 Florida Governor Election
Demings was one of two major Democratic candidates filed in the 2026 Florida gubernatorial election. He polled consistently in double digits in the Democratic primary, but generally trailed fellow Democrat David Jolly. Demings has served as the Mayor of Orange County since 2018, following just shy of ten years as Orange County Sheriff.
Prior to exiting the race Demings had received the endorsement of several prominent Florida Democrats. These included his U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, former representatives Al Lawson and Kendrick Meek, and former Florida Attorney General Bob Butterworth. He was also backed by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Sheriff John Mina.
Had he won the Democratic primary, Demings would’ve likely faced Republican Byron Donalds in the general election. Donalds is leading handily against several other GOP candidates including Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, and businessman James Fishback.
Bipartisan Reactions
“Mayor Demings has dedicated his life to public service, fighting with passion, mettle, and faith,” wrote David Jolly on Twitter following Demings’ announcement. “I know he’ll bring that same spirit to this new chapter. Laura and I wish him a full recovery as we personally pray for Jerry and his family.”
“Our prayers are with Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and his family during this difficult time,” added the official account of the Florida Republican Party. “We wish him a full and speedy recovery.”
“Our heartfelt thoughts are with Mayor Jerry Demings and his family,” the Florida Democratic Party said. “He has done incredible things for the people of Central Florida and built an undeniable legacy of service. We are wishing him strength and a full recovery.”
“Layla and I are praying for Mayor Demings and his family,” said Florida Lieutenant Governor and 2026 gubernatorial candidate Jay Collins. “Cancer affects far too many. We wish him strength during treatment and a full recovery.”
“Valeria and I are saddened to hear about Mayor Demings’ cancer diagnosis,” said GOP gubernatorial candidate James Fishback. “We will be keeping him in our prayers throughout his treatment. I last saw Jerry backstage at an event in Orlando in January, and while we may not see eye to eye on everything, he is a good man who has served his community since 1981.”
“Erika and I are praying for Jerry and Val,” said gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds. “May the Lord watch over the Demings family, provide them with strength and comfort, and bless Jerry with a swift recovery.”
“Throughout his career, Jerry Demings has led with compassion and strength, and been a tireless fighter for Orange County,” added Democratic Senate candidate Alex Vindman. “Rachel and I will be thinking of him and his family as they face this challenge, and we wish him a quick and full recovery.”
The Future for Jerry Demings
Jerry Demings has confirmed he intends to finish his present term as Orange County Mayor, which ends later this year. Having already been re-elected in 2022, he is prevented from running for another term by the office’s two-term limit. In this capacity, Demings is the Chair of the Orange County Commission, and chief executive official in the municipality. Cities in the county’s jurisdiction include Orlando, Winter Garden, Winter Park, and Apopka among others. It’s also home to Lake Buena Vista, which contains the Walt Disney World theme parks and resorts.
“Running for governor has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Demings continued. “I want to thank my campaign staff for their belief in me and my vision. I want to thank all of my volunteers, supporters, and well-wishers that I’ve known and met at every corner of the Sunshine State. And I want to especially thank my wonderful wife, Val, and my family for all the sacrifices they’ve made in the interest of public service for all these years.
“Public service has been the privilege of my lifetime. While this chapter is ending sooner than I had hoped, my commitment to serving our community remains as strong as ever. I am a fighter, and now my focus is on winning this fight. Thank you for your prayers, support, and understanding.”
Who is Jerry Demings, and why was he considered a strong candidate for governor?