Florida
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings Considers Run for Statewide or Federal Office
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, one of Florida’s most visible and experienced Democratic leaders, has publicly confirmed he is considering a run for higher office once his term as mayor ends in 2026.
In an interview with Politico’s Florida Playbook, Demings stated, “Yes, I am going to consider running for higher office. I haven’t decided what that office is, but I have come to grips with the idea that my public service is not over.”
Demings’ Future in Politics
With his term-limited role as Orange County Mayor ending in 2026, Demings is signaling that his next move could be a statewide or federal campaign, potentially expanding his influence beyond Central Florida and further cementing his role in Florida’s Democratic landscape.
However, Demings clarified to Politico that he would not challenge any incumbent Democratic member of Congress, but would consider running if a seat becomes open.
Demings did not specify whether he might run for governor, U.S. Senate, or another position, but his decades-long public service record positions him as a serious contender for whatever path he chooses.
A Career Defined by Service and Leadership
Before becoming Orange County Mayor, Demings served as Orlando’s first Black police chief and later as Orange County’s first Black sheriff. He was elected mayor in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, overseeing one of the largest and fastest-growing counties in Florida.
During his tenure, he has managed a wide range of challenges—from hurricane responses to the COVID-19 pandemic—while advocating for affordable housing, infrastructure development, and expanded access to public services. He’s known for his pragmatic leadership style and ability to work across the aisle, even in a politically polarized state.
Why Mayor Demings Is Qualified for Higher Office
Executive Experience: Demings has led both law enforcement agencies and county government, demonstrating administrative competence and crisis management across sectors.
Strong Electability: As a Democrat in a swing region, he’s shown the ability to win countywide in a politically diverse electorate—twice.
Statewide Recognition: Demings is well known across Florida and has frequently been involved in state-level discussions on public safety, economic development, and local governance.
Policy Knowledge: His tenure reflects a deep understanding of issues like infrastructure, public health, public safety, housing, and emergency management.
Bipartisan Relationships: He has earned the respect of leaders on both sides of the aisle, making him a potentially unifying figure in a higher office.
As 2026 approaches, Florida political watchers will be keeping a close eye on Demings’ next move—a possible candidacy that could reshape Florida’s Democratic bench and energize statewide or national campaigns.
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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Florida
Joe Strada Loans Campaign $5 Million, Launches $1 Million Ad Buy in Congressional District 11
The ad was produced by political strategist Brad Herold of Something Else Strategies and marks the first major media investment of the campaign.
$5 MILLION PERSONAL LOAN TO CAMPAIGN
Strada, founder of Strada Services, announced last week that he had loaned his congressional campaign $5 million, providing the campaign with substantial financial resources early in the election cycle.
Strada Services is one of the nation’s largest privately held, family-owned companies specializing in air conditioning, electrical, security, and plumbing services.
The campaign said the loan and advertising investment demonstrate Strada’s commitment to communicating directly with voters throughout Central Florida.
FIRST MAJOR MEDIA PUSH
The $1 million advertising effort is expected to reach voters across Florida’s 11th Congressional District through a combination of television, radio, and digital media platforms.
The campaign has positioned Strada as a conservative outsider and successful entrepreneur focused on bringing private-sector experience to Washington.
Additional details regarding future advertising and campaign events are expected in the coming weeks.
ABOUT FLORIDA’S 11TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Florida’s 11th Congressional District includes portions of Central Florida and is expected to be one of the state’s closely watched congressional races during the 2026 election cycle.
Crimes and Courts
Attorney General Uthmeier Announces Charges Against Six in South Florida Drug Trafficking Enterprise
Florida
Republican Rep. Paula Stark Disqualified From Ballot, Giving Democrats Opportunity to Flip House District 47
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Rep. Paula Stark has been disqualified from seeking reelection in Florida House District 47 after failing to satisfy candidate qualifying requirements before the noon Friday filing deadline.
According to state election records, Stark’s candidacy was disqualified due to a deficiency involving required financial disclosure filings, commonly referred to as Form 6. Florida law requires candidates for legislative office to timely submit all qualifying documents, including financial disclosure forms, to appear on the ballot.
Form 6 Financial Disclosure Requirement
Form 6 is a public financial disclosure document required for state elected officials and candidates. The form requires candidates to disclose assets, liabilities, sources of income, and other financial interests.
The disclosure includes a sworn certification stating: “Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have read the foregoing Form 6 and that the facts stated in it are true.”
Candidates are required to complete, sign and timely file the disclosure as part of Florida’s qualifying process. Failure to properly file required qualifying documents, including Form 6, by the statutory deadline can result in disqualification from the ballot.
Democrats Advance to Primary Election
With Stark removed from contention, Democrats now have an opportunity to capture the Republican-held seat in House District 47.
The only candidates remaining in the race are:
- Jorge Figueroa, President of the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida
- Anthony Nieves, a state investigator
The two Democrats will compete in the Aug. 18 Democratic Primary, with the winner becoming Representative-Elect.
House District 47 covers portions of Osceola County and has been represented by Stark since her election to the Florida House.
The disqualification was among the most notable developments of Florida’s 2026 candidate qualifying period and significantly alters the political landscape in a district Republicans had hoped to retain.
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