ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, a former Orange County Sheriff, former Orlando Police Chief, and husband of former U.S. Congresswoman Val Demings, is signaling interest in a potential run for Florida Governor. As a countywide CEO known for bipartisan appeal, Demings has built his reputation on representing all residents—Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike.
Budget Clash With Florida CFO Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia (R) took direct aim at Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings this week, accusing his administration of “excessive and wasteful” spending. Speaking at a press conference, Ingoglia claimed that Orange County residents are being overtaxed by at least $148 per person and argued the county could “easily” cut nearly $200 million from its $8.2 billion budget.
“Anyone who looks at the numbers can see it,” Ingoglia said. “In just five years, a budget that went from $1.1 billion to $1.6 billion for only 79,000 people—it’s common sense they’re wasting a tremendous amount of money.”
Mayor Demings quickly pushed back against the attack, firing back that Ingoglia should focus on his own office before criticizing Orange County’s finances: “He ought to get his own house in order first before he goes looking in someone else’s house.”
Demings Teases Possible Run for Governor As Demings nears the end of his final mayoral term, speculation is growing about his political future. During a press conference in Orlando, when asked about a possible gubernatorial run, Demings left the door wide open: “I’m not saying I’m not going to run. Given all these things that have been happening? I might just do that.”
Crowded Republican Primary Ahead The Republican primary for governor is expected to be one of Florida’s most contentious in years, with names such as Lt. Gov. Jay Collins (R) and Rep. Byron Donalds (R)—already endorsed by President Donald Trump—likely on the ballot. Governor Ron DeSantis’ role in shaping the party’s direction will also loom large over the contest.
What’s Next for Jerry Demings? If Mayor Demings officially enters the race, he would join the Democratic primary against former Rep. David Jolly (D). For Democrats, a strong nominee could be key to uniting moderates and progressives in a state that has leaned increasingly Republican in recent cycles.
As a seasoned law enforcement leader and two-term Orange County Mayor, Demings could bring a blend of executive experience, bipartisan appeal, and name recognition to the Democratic ticket. His potential candidacy raises the stakes for Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial race, signaling that Democrats may put forward a serious challenge in a state long dominated by Republicans.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Representative Rita Harris has secured reelection to the Florida House after no opposition qualified to challenge her in District 44 during the state’s candidate qualifying period.
Harris, a Democrat representing House District 44, will return to Tallahassee for another term after neither a Republican, third-party nor write-in candidate entered the race.
Her uncontested reelection reflects continued support within the district and allows her campaign to shift its focus toward supporting Democratic candidates and legislative priorities ahead of the 2027 Legislative Session.
House District 44 includes portions of west Orange County and surrounding communities in Central Florida.
Florida’s General Election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost secured an easy path to a third term representing Florida’s 10th Congressional District after no Democratic, Republican or write-in challengers qualified before the close of Florida’s candidate qualifying period Friday.
“I’m proud that the people of Central Florida continue to put their trust in me, and I don’t take that for granted,” Frost said. “Over the last term, we’ve delivered real results, and now it’s time to build on that.”
Campaign Focuses on Down-Ballot Races
Despite facing no major-party opposition, Frost said his campaign is expanding its political operation to help Democrats compete across Central Florida.
“We’re focused on electing Democrats up and down the ballot.”
The campaign has recruited 87 fellows this summer as part of its year-round organizing program for young people ages 16 to 24. Campaign officials said participants will engage in door-to-door canvassing, phone banking and voter outreach efforts while supporting Democratic candidates throughout the region.
According to the campaign, more than 162 fellows have participated in the program, helping contact more than 157,000 voters during the current election cycle.
Historic Member of Congress
Frost made history in 2022 as the first member of Generation Z elected to Congress. He represents Florida’s 10th Congressional District, which includes much of Orlando and surrounding portions of Orange County.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Representative Bruce Antone has won reelection to the Florida House after qualifying for the 2026 election cycle without opposition.
Antone, who represents portions of Orange County, remains the longest-serving Democratic state lawmaker in Orange County and one of the most senior members of Florida’s Democratic legislative delegation.
Following his reelection, Antone thanked supporters in a statement posted on Facebook.
“Today, I was reelected to the Florida House of Representatives. I didn’t have any opposition. Thank you to everyone who has supported me during my time and tenure in the Florida House of Representatives,” Antone wrote.
Under Florida election law, candidates who qualify for office without opposition are automatically elected and do not appear on the ballot.
Antone will begin another term in the Florida House as lawmakers prepare for the 2027 Legislative Session in Tallahassee.