Jerry Demings lands endorsements from Darren Soto, Buddy Dyer and more

Democratic Governor candidate Jerry Demings said he has won the support of a group of Central Florida leaders in his home base.

“The coalition includes members of Congress, state Senators and Representatives, Mayors, County Commissioners, constitutional officers, School Board members, and respected former members of the judiciary,” Demings’ campaign said.

U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Sheriff John Mina are among more than two dozen officials backing the Orange County Mayor’s run for Governor.

Demings’ endorsements included several in state government, including Sens. Kristen Arrington, LaVon Bracey Davis, Darryl Rouson and Reps. Rita Harris, Johanna López, Michele Rayner, Leonard Spencer and RaShon Young.

“I’ve worked closely with Mayor Demings on issues ranging from economic development to protecting our environment and expanding opportunity for working families,” Soto said in a statement. “Jerry listens, he builds consensus, and he gets things done. He will be a Governor who fights for every Floridian and move our state forward.”

Dyer highlighted Demings’ career as former Orlando Police Chief and former Orange County Sheriff as a reason for earning his vote.

“Jerry Demings has a proven track record of bringing people together to solve complex challenges,” Dyer, who is a Democrat and Orlando’s longest-serving Mayor, said in a statement. “Throughout his career in law enforcement and as Orange County Mayor, Jerry has led with integrity, accountability, and a deep commitment to the people he serves. Florida needs a Governor who understands our communities and can deliver real results — and Jerry Demings is that leader.”

Demings said he plans to announce more endorsements in the coming weeks.

“I am honored to have the support of leaders who represent communities across Central Florida,” Demings said in a statement. “This coalition reflects our shared commitment to strengthening our economy, protecting public safety, defending our freedoms, and ensuring every Floridian has the opportunity to succeed.”

Demings is running in a Democratic Primary against former U.S. Rep. David Jolly, a Republican-turned-Democrat. On the Republican side, U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds has led in the polls with other candidates including Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, former House Speaker Paul Renner and investment firm CEO James Fishback.

Demings’ full list of endorsements, according to a press release:

• Darren Soto, U.S. Representative (FL-9)
• Belvin Perry Jr., Former Chief Judge, 9th Judicial Circuit
• Jose Rodriguez, Former Circuit Judge, 9th Judicial Circuit
• Buddy Dyer, Mayor of Orlando
• John Mina, Sheriff of Orange County
• Morris West, Mayor of Haines City
• Jackie Espinosa, Mayor of Kissimmee
• LaVon Bracey Davis, State Senator (SD-15)
• Darryl Rouson, State Senator (SD-16)
• Kristen Arrington, State Senator (SD-25)
• Gary Siplin, Former State Senator (SD-19)
• Victor Torres, Former State Senator (SD-25)
• RaShon Young, State Representative (HD-40)
• Johanna López, State Representative (HD-43)
• Rita Harris, State Representative (HD-44)
• Leonard Spencer, State Representative (HD-45)
• Edwin Narain, Former State Representative (HD-61)
• Michele Rayner, State Representative (HD-62)
• Viviana Janer, Osceola County Commissioner
• Michael Scott, Orange County Commissioner
• Tony Ortiz, Orlando City Commissioner
• Bakari Burns, Orlando City Commissioner
• Patty Sheehan, Orlando City Commissioner
• Noel Ortiz, Kissimmee City Commissioner
• Ann Douglass, Orange County School Board
• Vicki Felder, Orange County School Board
• Stephanie Vanos, Orange County School Board