ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings announced he is ending his campaign for Florida governor amid a battle with prostate cancer.
Demings delivered the news following his final State of the County address on Friday, saying that he is going to focus on his health.
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“I received some bad news from my doctor, who confirmed that I have prostate cancer, said Demings. ”And because of that, I’m going to suspend my campaign for governor.”
Demings received the news on Monday and said that to get the proper treatment, he needs to come off the campaign trail.
“All those people who have supported me in this run who have believed in me as I have run for governor, I say thank you to all of them,” Demings said.
In a statement sent by his office, Demings mentioned that his prostate cancer is treatable.
“I remain committed to serving the citizens of Orange County for the final six months of my mayoral term. My prostate cancer was caught early and is treatable. I appreciate your continued support and prayers.”
Jerry L. Demings, Mayor of Orange County
Demings announced his campaign for governor last November, stating that he was eyeing a role at the state level to tackle rising costs of living and improve public safety.
Jerry Demings has spent 45 years in public service — rising through the ranks from Orlando police chief to Orange County sheriff before becoming the county’s mayor. Now finishing out his second and final term, Demings says he has no intention of slowing down.
Despite suspending his campaign for Florida governor, Demings says he plans to spend the next six months “running through the finish line” as mayor before leaving office in November.
Following Demings’ announcement, several Florida politicians released statements about his diagnosis, including candidates for Florida governor:
‘Mayor Demings has dedicated his life to public service, fighting with passion, mettle, and faith. I know he’ll bring that same spirit to this new chapter. Laura and I wish him a full recovery as we personally pray for Jerry and his family."
David Jolly, Democratic candidate for Florida governor
“My wife and I are saddened to hear about Mayor Demings’ cancer diagnosis. We will be keeping him in our prayers throughout his treatment. I last saw Jerry backstage at an event in Orlando in January, and while we may not see eye to eye on everything, he is a good man who has served his community since 1981, when he first joined the Orlando Police Department and began his career in law enforcement.”
James Fishback, GOP candidate for Florida governor
“Layla and I are praying for Mayor Demings and his family. Cancer affects far too many. We wish him strength during treatment and a full recovery.”
Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, GOP candidate for Florida governor
“Erika and I are praying for Jerry and Val. May the Lord watch over the Demings family, provide them with strength and comfort, and bless Jerry with a swift recovery.”
U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, GOP candidate for Florida governor
My heart is with Mayor Jerry Demings and his wife, Val.
— Daniella Levine Cava (@MayorDaniella) June 5, 2026
Jerry Demings is one of the finest public servants I have had the honor of knowing. As a fellow mayor, I have watched him lead Orange County with steadiness, compassion, and an unshakable commitment to the people he serves.… https://t.co/nIJ6NzMsd3
“Sending Mayor @JerryDemings and his family my love, prayers, and all of the strength in this next battle."
Rep. Anna V. Eskamani, PhD
Demings made history in 2018 when he became the first African American mayor of Orange County. He has led the county for eight years.
During his time in office, Demings guided Orange County through the COVID-19 pandemic. That included expanding testing efforts as cases surged.
He also led the county through a tourism boom, with record revenue generated by the Tourist Development Tax — a key funding source.
Demings also pushed to address the county’s affordable housing shortage, including initiatives that used public dollars to support housing projects.
Not every effort succeeded. After voters repeatedly rejected a proposed sales tax increase aimed at funding transportation projects, Demings ultimately dropped the plan.
Demings leaves office as Orange County faces potential financial uncertainty. If Florida voters approve a property tax reduction in November, county leaders could be forced to consider significant budget cuts.