Jerry Demings set to make announcement next week amid Governor speculation

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, who is rumored to be considering a run for Governor, is set to hold an announcement rally next week, several media outlets are reporting.

Demings is set to speak at 5 p.m., Nov. 6, at the Rosen Centre on International Drive, according to POLITICO, which was the first to report the news.

“Please join us for this special occasion as we share an important announcement and outline for the future,” says the invite going out to Democrats and Orlando advocates, according to the Orlando Sentinel. “Your presence and support will make this moment even more meaningful.”

Demings, a Democrat, is term-limited as Orange County Mayor. He has a background in law enforcement as the former Orange County Sheriff and former Orlando Police Chief.

Demings has been at odds with Gov. Ron DeSantis and state Republicans over an audit and an immigration contract with the federal government that Demings felt pressured to sign in fear of being suspended from office by DeSantis.

Demings potentially joining the race would mean a competitive Democratic Primary. Former U.S. Rep. David Jolly, a Republican who switched parties during the first Trump presidency, is also running for the Democratic nomination.

Polls show Democrats have an uphill climb to win the Governor’s race next year.

“We’re still a year away from the Midterm Election, and there are quite a few undecided voters,” said Dr. Michael Binder, University of North Florida Public Opinion Research Lab faculty director and professor of political science, after a new poll was released this week.

“At this point, it looks like both Republicans are more than 10 points ahead of whoever emerges on the Democratic side.”

Earlier this month, Jolly said his campaign had raised more than $2 million so far.

On the Republican side are U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds and former House Speaker Paul Renner, who are both outraising Jolly significantly. Renner raised $3.7 million in just over 35 days and Donalds has amassed a war chest of at least $31.5 million, Florida Politics reported earlier this month.

Speculation continues about whether more candidates, such as Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, will jump into the race.