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. Demings said he plans to finish his time as mayor of Orange County.”I remain committed to serving the citizens of Orange County for the final six months of my mayoral term. My prostate cancer was caught early and is treatable. I appreciate your continued support and prayers,” Demings said. 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 DemingsWESH 2 News spoke with County Commissioner Nicole Wilson, who said fellow commissioners and the mayor’s staff learned of Demings’ diagnosis at the same time as everyone else.”I believe he found out about this in a routine screening. So, a good a reminder for all of us — the men in our lives, as well as the women in our life — to go and get those routine screenings,” she said.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.”Byron Donalds said in a statement: Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said in a statement: Rep. Rita Harris said in a statement:

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.

Demings said he plans to finish his time as mayor of Orange County.

“I remain committed to serving the citizens of Orange County for the final six months of my mayoral term. My prostate cancer was caught early and is treatable. I appreciate your continued support and prayers,” Demings said.

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

WESH 2 News spoke with County Commissioner Nicole Wilson, who said fellow commissioners and the mayor’s staff learned of Demings’ diagnosis at the same time as everyone else.

“I believe he found out about this in a routine screening. So, a good a reminder for all of us — the men in our lives, as well as the women in our life — to go and get those routine screenings,” she said.

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.”

Byron Donalds said in a statement:

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Erika and I are praying for Jerry and Val. May the Lord watch over the Demings family, provide them with strength and comfort, and bless Jerry with a swift recovery. https://t.co/q0NTuwznTK

— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) June 5, 2026

Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said in a statement:

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My heart is with Mayor Demings and his loved ones as they navigate this battle ahead.

Mayor Demings has always been a fighter for Orange County— always leading with love and resolve. I have no doubt he’ll face this challenge with the same strength.

We are standing with him…

— Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (@RepMaxwellFrost) June 5, 2026

Rep. Rita Harris said in a statement:

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