Florida Democrats are facing a setback in the state's gubernatorial race after Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings announced on June 5 that he was suspending his campaign following a prostate cancer diagnosis.
"Monday of this week, I received some bad news from my doctor, who confirmed that I have prostate cancer. And because of that, I am going to suspend my campaign for governor," he said during a news conference.
Demings was one of two candidates Democrats had hoped would remain competitive in the race for governor. His departure leaves David Jolly, a former Republican congressman, as the party's most prominent candidate in its effort to end decades of Republican dominance in the state.
When announcing his decision, Demings said he was stepping away from the campaign to focus on his health. However, he said he plans to complete his current term as Orange County mayor.
"In order for me to receive the treatment, I'm going to have to come off the campaign trail. I have to let something go. I can't continue to do my job as mayor, take care of my family, and run for governor. So, I made a difficult decision," Demings said.
Florida voters will elect a governor and lieutenant governor Nov. 3, as Gov. Ron DeSantis is barred from seeking another term due to being term-limited.
Demings' exit leaves Democrats in a difficult position. Republicans control the governor's office and both chambers of the state Legislature, and Florida has not elected a Democratic governor since 1991, when Lawton Chiles was elected. The last Democrat to serve as Florida governor was Kenneth "Buddy" MacKay, who replaced Chiles in 1999 after he died while in office.
Without Demings in the race, Jolly appears positioned to become the Democrats' strongest contender. According to a poll released in May and cited by the Miami Herald, Jolly led Demings 42% to 27% among 2,070 respondents.
Despite competing against Demings in the Democratic primary, Jolly issued a statement wishing him a speedy recovery.
"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," Jolly said. "Laura (Jolly's wife) and I wish him a full recovery as we personally pray for Jerry and his family."
The Democratic primary is scheduled for Aug. 18, and the candidate filing deadline is June 12.
