Demings launches Orange County mayoral campaign

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orange County Sheriff Demings hosted a news conference Friday afternoon to formally launch his run for Orange County mayor.

Demings, who announced Thursday that he was throwing his hat in the race, spoke outside the Orange County Administration Building in downtown Orlando.

He has spent 36 years in public service, a campaign spokesman said.

Read: Sheriff Jerry Demings to run for Orange County mayor

Demings was first elected sheriff in 2008 and won reelection in 2012 and 2016.

Prior to being elected sheriff, Demings was appointed Orange County public safety director and Orlando police chief.

His wife, U.S. Rep. Val Demings, also served as Orlando police chief prior to being elected to Congress in November.

Read: OPD Chief John Mina considers run for Orange County sheriff

She lost a bid for Congress in 2012 to Republican Daniel Webster. She also briefly ran against Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, but she dropped out of that race.

Jose Colom and Robert Edward Melanson are also running for county mayor.

The primary is scheduled for Aug. 28, 2018, and the general election is scheduled for Nov. 6, 2018.

Cox Media Group