My heart is with Mayor Jerry Demings and his wife, Val.
Jerry Demings is one of the finest public servants I have had the honor of knowing. As a fellow mayor, I have watched him lead Orange County with steadiness, compassion, and an unshakable commitment to the people he serves. He has built a career defined not by ambition, but by genuine dedication — to his community, to justice, and to making Florida a better place for every family.
A cancer diagnosis is a moment that reminds all of us what truly matters. Jerry is a man of extraordinary strength — strength he has demonstrated throughout his decades in law enforcement and public office. I have no doubt he will bring that same strength, and the deep love of his family and community, to this fight.
Your fellow mayors, your colleagues, and people across the state of Florida are standing with you. As someone who cares deeply about you as a person — not just as a colleague — I want you to know that my prayers and my full support are with you and your family every single day.
To Val, and to the entire Demings family please know how loved you are.
BREAKING | Orange Co. Mayor Jerry Demings suspends his Florida gubernatorial campaign after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. Demings says he will finish the remainder of his term as mayor.