Jerry Demings Suspends Governor Campaign After Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
Jerry Demings, the mayor of Orange County and a Democratic candidate for governor of Florida, has announced that he is suspending his campaign for governor following a recent prostate cancer diagnosis. The 67-year-old politician made the announcement on June 5 during a news conference held after delivering his State of the County address in Orlando. His wife, Val, a former congresswoman, and other family members were present at the event.
Demings stated that he plans to complete the remainder of his mayoral term, which will end in November, but emphasized the need to focus on his health. He revealed that he had learned of his diagnosis earlier in the week and suggested it was detected early. “Fortunately for me, I’m relatively healthy. I go to the doctor on a regular basis,” he said.
The mayor explained that his campaign was progressing well and had the potential to succeed. However, he felt it was necessary to step back from the campaign trail to prioritize his medical treatment. “If I have to come off the campaign trail so that I can still do my job, still go to treatment, I got to let something go,” he said. “So we have been prayerful about the decision.”
Prostate cancer is one of the most survivable forms of cancer, particularly when detected early. The prostate is a small gland in the male reproductive system. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 98% of U.S. patients diagnosed with prostate cancer had not died from the disease five years later. For those whose cancer was confined to the prostate and had not spread, the survival rate was 100%.
“I’m going to focus now on my health,” Demings said. “I’m going to focus on living. I’m not going to focus on running for another office.”
His decision leaves David Jolly as the leading Democrat among the 48 candidates currently running for Florida’s chief executive. Jolly released a statement expressing support for Demings, saying, “Jerry has dedicated his life to public service, fighting with passion, mettle, and faith. I know he’ll bring that same spirit to this new chapter. Laura and I wish him a full recovery as we personally pray for Jerry and his family.”
Democratic U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost, who represents part of Central Florida, also shared his thoughts on the situation. He posted on X that his “heart is with Mayor Demings and his loved ones as they navigate this battle ahead.” Frost added, “He has always been a fighter for Orange County – always leading with love and resolve. I have no doubt he’ll face this challenge with the same strength. We are standing with him every step of the way.”
Florida Democratic Party chair Nikki Fried praised Demings for his long-standing commitment to public service. She posted, “We will continue to pray for him & his family as they navigate their next battle. He and Val will take on cancer the same way they have taken on public service – with fight, strength and courage.”
Demings reflected on his 45-year career, which included serving as Orange County sheriff from 2009 to 2018. “I have not been home during hurricanes, other emergencies. I’ve been out serving the people,” he said. “My prayer was that I (would) continue to serve at a different level, but if I don’t take care of my own health, I won’t serve anybody.”
Jim Rosica is a member of the USA TODAY Network – Florida Capital Bureau. Reach him at [email protected] and follow him on X.com: @JimRosicaFL.
