FL-GOV: Jerry Demings suspends Democratic gubernatorial bid following cancer diagnosis

Orange County Mayor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jerry Demings announced Friday he is suspending his 2026 campaign after being diagnosed with a treatable form of prostate cancer.

In a prepared release, Demings said that “continuing to run for governor would have likely led to injurious effects on my prognosis. I am a fighter through and through, and now is the time to fight cancer and be there for my loved ones.”

He will finish out his mayoral term, which expires in November.

The mayor broke the news while speaking to reporters after completing his final “State of the County” address at the Orange County Convention Center. He said he intends to serve the remainder of his term in office.



https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/06/05/jerry-demings-suspends-democratic-gubernatorial-bid-following-cancer-diagnosis/