Overview
- Demings filed his candidacy and debuted his campaign at an Orlando rally where Val Demings introduced him before a crowd of Central Florida officials and supporters.
- He outlined priorities that include expanding Medicaid, holding insurers accountable, lowering energy costs, and safeguarding water resources and the environment.
- The Orange County mayor points to four decades in public service, highlighting roles as Orlando police chief, Orange County sheriff, and county mayor since 2018.
- His launch sets up a Democratic primary against former U.S. Rep. David Jolly, with Republicans including President Trump-endorsed Byron Donalds and former House Speaker Paul Renner in the field.
- Early flashpoints include disputes with the DeSantis administration over a 287(g) immigration agreement and state audits as the campaign advances toward the Aug. 18, 2026 primary.