ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Before a packed ballroom of cheering supporters at the Rosen Centre on Orlando’s International Drive Thursday evening, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings officially launched his campaign for Governor of Florida in 2026, declaring that it’s time to “turn the page” on division and usher in a “new style of leadership.”

The 66-year-old former Orlando Police Chief and Orange County Sheriff — now serving his second term as mayor — delivered a powerful, hopeful message reminiscent of President Barack Obama’s campaign themes of unity and renewal, rallying voters with the promise that “the power of the people is greater than the people in power.”

A Message of Unity and Renewal

“This is not a right or left moment, but a right or wrong moment in our history,” Demings told the energized crowd. “We’re tired of toxic and divisive politics. If you vote for me, it’s a vote for a new style of leadership. It’s a vote for change. It’s a vote for democracy.”

The crowd erupted as Demings leaned into his record of public service and crisis management, drawing a sharp contrast with political partisanship in Tallahassee. He pledged to restore local control, raise wages, stabilize housing costs, and improve access to mental health care through public-private partnerships.

“They call me woke,” Demings said, pausing as the audience laughed. “I don’t know what they mean — but after four and a half decades of public service, they woke me up.”

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings’ wife, former U.S. Congresswoman Val Demings, tells a standing-room-only crowd, “Help is on the way,” during her husband’s campaign kickoff rally for Florida governor at the Rosen Centre in Orlando, Florida, on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
Photo by J. Willie David, III / Florida National News

Val Demings: ‘Help Is on the Way’

Demings’ wife, former Congresswoman Val Demings, introduced him to thunderous applause. “Through all of the darkness,” she told the audience, “help is on the way.”

Her remarks framed her husband’s candidacy as a call to hope and action, positioning him as a pragmatic problem-solver rooted in Florida values.

Demings, who has long clashed with Governor Ron DeSantis over COVID-19 restrictions, immigration, and state control of local budgets, promised to bring people together across party lines. “My goal is to engage the private sector in working with the public sector to solve the issues that affect us all,” he said.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings held a press conference to answer questions from the media following his historic campaign kickoff rally for Florida governor at the Rosen Centre in Orlando, Florida, on Thursday, November 6, 2025. Photo by J. Willie David, III / Florida National News

A Campaign to Make History

If elected, Demings would become Florida’s first Black governor — a milestone both Republicans and Democrats acknowledge as a turning point in the state’s history.

He faces a crowded field, but his reputation as a steady crisis manager — having led Central Florida through mass shootings, hurricanes, and the pandemic — has made him a formidable contender.

Asked to contrast himself with likely Republican opponent Rep. Byron Donalds, Demings didn’t hesitate: “He’s never been a crisis manager or leader. I’ve led through storms, tragedies, and rebuilding — not from the sidelines, but in the arena.”

‘A New Sheriff in Town’

Demings’ closing line drew roaring applause: “If you vote for me, it’s a vote for the right person at the right time,” he said. Then, echoing a phrase once used by DeSantis himself, Demings smiled and declared, “It’s time for a new sheriff in town.”

With a listening tour planned across the state, Demings aims to build a grassroots movement that transcends party lines — one he hopes will awaken Florida’s independent voters and redefine what leadership looks like in the Sunshine State.

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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com

TAMPA BAY, Fla. (FNN) – The David Jolly for Governor campaign has extended a warm welcome to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, who officially entered the 2026 Democratic primary for Florida Governor. The campaign emphasized the importance of a respectful and substantive primary race that strengthens the Democratic Party and enhances its chances in the general election.

“I welcome Mayor Demings to this important race,” said former U.S. Representative David Jolly, Democratic candidate for Governor. “All of Florida—Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike—deserves a spirited Democratic Party primary that puts voters first, one rooted in real solutions for the affordability of housing and healthcare, the future of public education, protecting personal freedoms, and restoring trust and competence in government.”

Jolly’s remarks signal a collaborative tone within the Democratic field, focusing on unity and shared goals amid growing anticipation for a competitive 2026 gubernatorial race.

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J Wilie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com

SOUTH FLORIDA (FNN NEWS) – As millions of Americans prepare to lose access to food assistance due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, the Poverello Center, and DoorDash are joining forces to call for urgent action and provide support to vulnerable families in need.

On Friday, October 31, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., the three partners will hold a media availability at the Poverello Center (2056 N Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305) to highlight the need for an emergency food response as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding is set to run out on November 1, leaving more than 40 million Americans—including thousands of South Florida residents—without access to critical food assistance.

DoorDash Expands Emergency Food Response Nationwide

In anticipation of the SNAP funding lapse, DoorDash has activated its Emergency Food Response initiative, providing free delivery for its Project DASH food bank and pantry partners nationwide. The initiative also includes a partnership with major grocery retailers to waive delivery and service fees for an estimated 300,000 grocery orders for SNAP recipients.

Additionally, DoorDash will donate food from DashMart stores to local food banks, including the Poverello Center, helping ensure families have access to nutritious food during the government funding gap.

“Project DASH has been a lifeline for families and food banks across the country,” said Alyssa Betz, DoorDash’s Head of Federal Affairs. “As SNAP benefits expire, we are proud to expand our commitment to ensure communities continue to receive the support they need.”

Poverello Center’s Ongoing Impact

Since its launch in 2018, Project DASH has facilitated over 8 million deliveries, providing an estimated 135 million meals to families in need. The Poverello Center, a long-time partner of the program, has successfully completed 10,000 deliveries to local residents, helping bridge the gap for those facing food insecurity.

Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick praised the partnership, emphasizing the importance of government and private sector collaboration in addressing hunger during a crisis. “No family in South Florida should go hungry because of political gridlock. Together, we are working to ensure that our most vulnerable residents have food on their tables,” she said.

Event Details:
When: Friday, October 31, 2025 – 11:00 AM
Where: Poverello Center, 2056 N Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305
Who:

• Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

• Representative from the Poverello Center

• Alyssa Betz, DoorDash’s Head of Federal Affairs

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Stay connected with Florida National News and the FNN News Network for ongoing coverage of the federal government shutdown and its impact on families and communities across Florida.

News@FloridaNationalNews.com