Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has officially filed to run for governor of Florida, according to election records. With his candidacy, Demings positions himself as a leading contender for the Democratic nomination in the 2024 gubernatorial race. This election is particularly significant as outgoing Republican Governor Ron DeSantis is unable to seek re-election due to term limits.
The political landscape is becoming increasingly competitive with a total of 29 candidates vying for the governor’s office. Most of these candidates are considered long shots, but Demings and other prominent figures are emerging as frontrunners. On the Democratic side, David Jolly, a former Republican congressman who switched parties in April, is also a notable candidate. Meanwhile, the Republican field includes candidates like Byron Donalds, a U.S. Representative endorsed by former President Donald Trump, and former House Speaker Paul Renner.
As the race begins to take shape, Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins has indicated he is seriously considering entering the contest, while speculation continues around First Lady Casey DeSantis potentially joining the race.
Demings’ campaign has already faced scrutiny. Shortly after filing, he was criticized by Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, who accused him of “wasteful spending” during his time as mayor. Ingoglia, a Republican, has been vocal about what he perceives as excessive taxation and budgetary issues in various Florida cities and counties. He took to social media to express his concerns, stating, “Mayor that wastefully and excessively spends $200 million of your hard-earned taxpayer dollars (this year alone) wants to control the state budget.”
As of now, Demings has not made any public statements regarding his campaign. A spokesperson confirmed that he would not be commenting on his candidacy on Monday.
The 2024 Florida gubernatorial race is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched elections in the country. With a crowded field and the departure of a significant incumbent, the dynamics of this election could have lasting implications for the state’s political future. As the campaign progresses, updates will continue to emerge, reflecting the evolving landscape of Florida politics.
