Jerry Demings continues to lag behind David Jolly in fundraising race for Democratic gubernatorial nomination

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings’ fundraising continues to fall short of former U.S. Rep. David Jolly’s in the race for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.

Throughout the first quarter of 2026 and a short portion of April, Jolly’s campaign raised $2 million. Jolly, a Democrat from St. Petersburg, has now raised $5 million total since he entered the race in June.

In comparison, Demings raised about $254,000 during Q1, in addition to approximately $75,000 to his political committee Moving Florida Forward, campaign finance reports show.

While Demings has raised almost $660,000 all-in between the two accounts, he’s having to spend heavily also, with roughly $310,000 in expenditures through March 31, giving him about $350,000 on hand.

Jolly is also spending aggressively, but has about a million dollars in his campaign account, and roughly $820,000 in his Florida 2026 political committee.

Whoever prevails between Demings and Jolly, the nominee will face a deep financial disadvantage if U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds is nominated by Republicans. The Donald Trump endorsed candidate from Naples has raised more than $67 million for his race, including more than $22 million in the first quarter. However, other Republican candidates are reporting more modest totals.

While fundraising is not going Demings’ way, polling shows most Democrats have yet to tune into this race, potentially creating opportunities if he can get his message out.

A survey from Emerson College, which was conducted during the last three days of March, shows 21% of Democrats support Jolly, 10% back  Demings, and 53% are undecided.

However, neither potential nominee fares well against Donalds, an unsurprising finding given the GOP registration advantage in Florida.

Donalds leads Demings in the hypothetical, 45% to 36%. Jolly is somewhat more competitive, trailing 39% to 44%.

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Florida Politics’ Janelle Irwin and Gabrielle Russon contributed reporting.