Demings announces bid for Orange County Mayor

Updating Breaking News:

Jerry Demings

After months of deliberation, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings announced his intention to run for Orange County Mayor during the 2018 election cycle.

Demings, who hosted a news conference Friday afternoon to formally launch his run for Orange County mayor, spoke outside the Orange County Administration Building in downtown Orlando.

"I'm running on a platform that will focus on three issues - public safety, smart growth and community bonding," Demings said during the announcement. "You can expect me to lead from the front."

Demings won three elections for Orange County Sheriff in 2008, 2012 and 2016. Prior to being elected sheriff, Demings was appointed Orange County public safety director and Orlando police chief. He has been in public service for 36 years. Demings was the African-American police chief or Orlando, the first African-American sheriff of Orange County, and would also be the first African-American mayor of Orange County.

His wife Val Demings, who is a Congresswoman representing the 10th District of Florida, also served as Orlando police chief prior to being elected to Congress in November. They have three sons, two of whom are twins.

Demings is a native of Orlando and a graduate of Jones High School and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Florida State University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Orlando College, which is now Everest University. He graduated Magna Cum Laude and is listed in Who's Who Among College Students. He is a graduate of the 194th session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Academy and studied at the Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Sheriff Demings has been recognized by Orlando Magazine as one of the 50 most influential Central Floridians each year since 2009 and has been recognized by the Orlando Sentinel many years as one of the 25 most influential persons in the area.

Sheriff Demings is involved in numerous civic activities. He was appointed to the FEMA National Advisory Council in July 2014, and continues to serve. He was also appointed by the Chief Justice to the Florida Supreme Court’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Task Force. He is the President of the Florida Sheriffs Association, President of the Major County Sheriffs Foundation and President of the Florida Association of Constitutional Officers, Inc. He also serves on the National Sheriffs Association Board of Directors.

The primary is scheduled for Aug. 28, 2018, and the general election is scheduled for Nov. 6, 2018.

Demings will remain as Orange County Sheriff during the campaign.