Democrat Suspends Governor Campaign After Cancer Diagnosis

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings announced Friday that he is suspending his campaign for governor of Florida after being diagnosed with prostate cancer, saying he will step away from the statewide race to focus on treatment, recovery, and his responsibilities at home.

Demings, a Democrat and longtime Central Florida public official, revealed the diagnosis during a press conference following his final State of the County address.

“On Monday of this week, I received some bad news from my doctor, who confirmed that I have prostate cancer, and because of that, I am going to suspend my campaign for governor,” Demings said.

“I’m going to focus on my health, that will become the priority. I’m only sharing this because I am in this very visible public position. I am sharing about a private matter. I intend to continue running through the finish line of the mayor of Orange County.”

Demings said he received the diagnosis earlier in the week and told his family on Thursday before speaking publicly about the matter.

He appeared alongside his wife, former U.S. Rep. and former Orlando Police Chief Val Demings, as well as other family members, as he explained why continuing a statewide campaign was no longer possible.

“In order for me to receive the treatment, I’m going to have to come off the campaign trail,” he said. “I have to let something go. I can’t continue to do my job as mayor, take care of my family, and run for governor. So, I made a difficult decision.”

The announcement is a major development in Florida politics and a personal turning point for Demings, who had entered the race hoping to use his decades of law enforcement and local government experience as the foundation for a gubernatorial campaign.

Demings thanked the supporters who had backed his effort and stood with him throughout his long career in public life.

“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,” he said.

The decision also underscores the demanding nature of modern statewide campaigns, which require constant travel, fundraising, media appearances, and political pressure. For Demings, that burden became impossible to balance with cancer treatment, family obligations, and his duties as Orange County mayor.

Reflecting on his career, Demings spoke with emotion about the years he has spent in public service.

“I had a wonderful career, a 45-year career, where I have given 100% during that time,” Demings said.

“I have not been home during hurricanes, other emergencies, I’ve been out serving the people. My prayer was that I would continue to serve at a different level, but if I don’t take care of my own health, I won’t serve anybody.”

Demings has been a major figure in Central Florida for decades. He was elected Orange County mayor in 2018, becoming the county’s fifth mayor and its first Black mayor. He won reelection in 2022 and is expected to finish his current term at the end of 2026.

Before becoming mayor, Demings built his career in law enforcement. He became Orlando’s police chief in 1998 before later winning election as Orange County sheriff in 2008. He was reelected sheriff in 2012 and again in 2016.

A graduate of Jones High School in Orlando, Demings and his wife, Val, have three sons, Fox 35 Orlando reported.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American men other than non-melanoma skin cancer. It is also one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among men in the United States.

Health officials say age is the largest risk factor for prostate cancer, while African American men and men with a family history of the disease face a higher risk.

For now, Demings said his priority will be his health, his family, and completing his work as Orange County mayor.

While the announcement removes a prominent Democrat from the Florida governor’s race, it also serves as a reminder that even in the heat of politics, health and family must come first.