Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings says he will no longer run for governor of Florida after a cancer diagnosis. “Monday of this week, I received some bad news from my doctor, who confirmed that I have prostate cancer. And because of that, I am going to suspend my campaign for governor,” he said in a news conference on Friday. He plans to finish his time as mayor of Orange County. Demings was sworn in as the fifth elected mayor of Orange County in 2018 and was reelected in 2022. He oversees more than 8,000 Orange County employees and a $7 billion budget as the County’s chief executive officer. Demings is an Orlando native and graduate of Jones High School, his bio says. Support for DemingsFormer Congressman David Jolly said in a statement: “Jerry has dedicated his life to public service, fighting with passion, mettle, and faith. 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.”>> This is a breaking news story and will be updated

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. —

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings says he will no longer run for governor of Florida after a cancer diagnosis.

“Monday of this week, I received some bad news from my doctor, who confirmed that I have prostate cancer. And because of that, I am going to suspend my campaign for governor,” he said in a news conference on Friday.

He plans to finish his time as mayor of Orange County.

Demings was sworn in as the fifth elected mayor of Orange County in 2018 and was reelected in 2022.

He oversees more than 8,000 Orange County employees and a $7 billion budget as the County’s chief executive officer.

Demings is an Orlando native and graduate of Jones High School, his bio says.

Support for Demings

Former Congressman David Jolly said in a statement:

“Jerry has dedicated his life to public service, fighting with passion, mettle, and faith. 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.”

>> This is a breaking news story and will be updated