Launching his campaign for Governor, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings argued the state needs a change and a leader who will rise above the pettiness to focus on helping Floridians struggling financially.
“Across Florida, families are working harder than ever but struggling to keep up with the rising cost of housing, groceries, insurance, and electricity,” Demings said in a statement, his first public comments since filing for Governor. “Our state has become more expensive and less fair for everyone, all while power is being stripped away from local communities that know their residents best. Florida needs a change. We need a different type of Governor who puts delivering results before grabbing headlines and petty political fights.”
The Orlando Democrat is scheduled to hold a rally Thursday afternoon off International Drive.
‘I’m running for Governor to continue putting Florida families first, restore accountability, and make our state safe and affordable again,” Demings went on to say.
For his platform, the Orlando native said he wants to expand Medicaid to give more Floridians access to health care, protect the environment and hold insurance companies accountable.
Demings touted his historic career as Orlando’s first Black Police Chief, the first Black Orange County Sheriff and first Black Orange County Mayor, where he’s been in charge since 2018.
“As Orange County Mayor, he has focused on keeping families safe, expanding access to affordable housing, and managing growth responsibly while maintaining one of the lowest tax rates among large counties,” Demings’ campaign said in a press release. “As Governor, Demings will lead with the same values that have guided him throughout his career: accountability, efficiency, and compassion, to build a safer, stronger, and more affordable Florida for all.”
Demings’ run for Governor comes after he has become increasingly critical of term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis and has sparred with his administration, accusing the state of being heavy-handed and of taking control away from local government.
In the Democratic Primary, Demings will face former U.S. Rep. David Jolly. On the Republican side, U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds and former House Speaker Paul Renner are running for Governor.