Congresswoman Plaskett Expresses Support for Mayor Jerry Demings and Congresswoman VAL Demings Following the Mayor’s Gubernatorial RACE Suspension

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Alayah Phipps June xx, 2026                                                    202-813-2793 PRESS RELEASE CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES SUPPORT FOR MAYOR JERRY DEMINGS AND CONGRESSWOMAN VAL DEMINGS FOLLOWING THE MAYOR’S GUBERNATORIAL RACE SUSPENSION Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-USVI) today issued the following statement in response to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings' announcement that he is suspending his campaign for Florida Governor after receiving a cancer diagnosis: "My heart goes out to Jerry and Val Demings as they face this challenging chapter. Jerry Demings has spent decades in public service — as a law enforcement officer, as Sheriff, and as Mayor of Orange County — dedicating his life to the safety and wellbeing of his community. Former Congresswoman Val Demings is one of the most committed public servants I have had the privilege of serving alongside in Congress. Together, they represent the very best of what it means to show up for the people you serve. "No campaign, no office, no title matters more than health and family. I am keeping Jerry, Val, and their entire family in my prayers as they walk through this time. I have no doubt that the same strength and resilience that has defined their decades of service will carry them through this as well. The people of Florida and this nation are better because of the work they have both done, and I am honored to call them friends." ###