Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings was sworn in December, becoming the first African-American to hold the position. He has set his sights on making Orange County the “experimental prototype community of tomorrow” by creating a culture of innovation, collaboration and inclusion. The Board of Supervisors is comprised of five members who are elected by voters in their district. In the November general election, Demings' legacy as mayor of Orange County will be tested and defined.
His goal is to make Orange County a safe, healthy and satisfying place to live, work and play, today and for future generations, by providing outstanding and cost-effective regional public services. In addition to Demings' re-election, Orange County School Board President Teresa Jacobs and District 1 School Board member Angie Gallo won re-elections by an overwhelming majority. Orange County Commissioner Christine Moore was re-elected with 57% of the votes against two contenders in the race for District 2 of the County Commission. Demings has been involved with the Phillips Performing Arts Center, the Orange County Tourism Development Council, Orlando Economic Partnership and participates in numerous civic organizations. He has also been a long-time activist for social and environmental justice, known for his testimony at Orange County Commission meetings, including on Split Oak and the rent control measure. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a unique challenge for Demings as mayor of Orange County. He has drawn on his public safety experience as a former Orlando police chief and Orange County sheriff to help guide the county through this difficult time. Demings' re-election is just the first step in a two-election process that could redefine his legacy and the county's growth for decades.
With his commitment to making Orange County a better place to live, work and play, it is clear that Demings is up for the challenge.
