Only a day after former Orlando Police Chief Val Demings said she will campaign for Orange County Mayor, she has already garnered key support from two of the state’s top Democrats.
Florida Democratic Party Chair Allison Tant announced she would support Demings, who will officially kick off her campaign on Thursday to oust Mayor Teresa Jacobs.
“Val Demings will bring a lifetime of service to the people of Orange County,” Tant said in a statement released Tuesday. “And I’m proud to support her campaign for mayor.”
As a mother who started as a cop on patrol, the FDP leader continued, Demings built a 27-year law enforcement career, rising to Orlando Chief of Police.
“She has the rare and necessary real-world experience to lead Orange County.”
Although the Orange County mayoral race is largely a non-partisan contest, Tant’s out-of-the-gate endorsement demonstrates that Demings will undoubtedly cozy up to Democratic voters and donors.
Also encouraging Demings run is Tampa’s Alan Clendenin.
“Val Demings has the proven track record, proven leadership, and the common values Orange County residents deserve,” Clendenin, the Vice Chair of the Florida Democratic Party, said in a prepared statement.
The political landscape of Orange County has recently turned blue, with Democrats enjoying a 42 percent to 29 percent voter registration advantage over Republicans.
Under her watch, violent crime decreased by 40 percent while she cut her budget by over $10 million dollars,” Tant said. “Val Demings’ commitment to common sense solutions is unparalleled, and as mayor she will be the strong fighter Orange County’s middle class families deserve.”
Demings will need the Democratic boost to catch up to Republican incumbent Jacobs, who has raised $472,431 and only spent $48,860 so far, according to recent reports.
