2026 Florida Governor’s Race: Can Democrats Win Back Power With Demings or Jolly?

Florida Democrats are heading into a closely watched primary in August 2026 that could shape the party’s future in the state. Jerry Demings, the mayor of Orange County and husband of former U.S. Representative Val Demings, is preparing to enter the race. He will challenge David Jolly, a former Republican congressman who officially declared his candidacy as a Democrat in June 2025.

Jerry Demings: From Sheriff to Mayor

Jerry Demings has been a fixture in Central Florida politics for decades. He became the first African American elected sheriff of Orange County in 2008 and has served as Orange County Mayor since 2018. His tenure as mayor included overseeing one of Florida’s fastest-growing counties through the COVID-19 pandemic, population growth, and ongoing housing and infrastructure challenges.

Demings is married to Val Demings, a prominent Democrat who represented Orlando in Congress and ran for U.S. Senate in 2022. Their combined visibility has given Jerry Demings significant name recognition in the Orlando region and beyond.

Supporters point to his long record in public safety and local government as proof of steady leadership. Critics note that his statewide profile remains limited and suggest he may face questions about his law enforcement background in a Democratic primary where police reform and social justice are key issues.

David Jolly: A Centrist Former Republican

David Jolly represented Florida’s 13th Congressional District from 2014 to 2017 as a Republican. After leaving Congress, he became a political commentator and frequent critic of the Republican Party’s direction. In 2025, he formally joined the Democratic Party and announced his run for governor.

Jolly is campaigning as a centrist, arguing that Florida Democrats need a candidate who can attract independents and moderate Republicans in order to win statewide. His background in Congress and his national media presence give him recognition beyond his former district.

Supporters see his crossover appeal as an asset in a state that has leaned Republican in recent years. Skeptics, however, question whether lifelong Democrats will embrace a former Republican in a primary contest, and whether his positions will align with core Democratic priorities.

Key Issues for Democratic Voters

• Public Safety: Demings brings direct experience as sheriff and mayor, while Jolly emphasizes reform-minded approaches and consensus-building.

• Economy and Cost of Living: Both will be expected to present plans addressing housing affordability, property insurance, and jobs — top concerns for Floridians.

• Education and Health Care: Issues of teacher pay, school funding, and access to affordable care will be central in the primary and the general election.

• Electability: Florida Democrats must weigh party loyalty and long-term Democratic credentials (Demings) against centrist appeal and crossover potential (Jolly).

What’s Ahead

Florida Democrats have not held the governor’s office since 1999, making this primary especially significant. Jerry Demings offers continuity within the party and deep experience in local governance. David Jolly presents a centrist option who argues he can build a broader coalition in a difficult political landscape.

The August 2026 primary will test which path Democratic voters believe offers the best chance of winning back the governor’s mansion.