Jerry L. Demings (born June 12, 1959) is an American politician and former law enforcement officer serving as the 5th Mayor of Orange County since 2018.

[2] A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as Sheriff of Orange County from 2009 to 2018 and as Chief of the Orlando Police Department from 1998 to 2002.

Due to Florida's resign-to-run laws, Demings stepped down as sheriff to run for county mayor in 2018; winning the August primary outright and avoiding a run-off election.

He defeated his Republican challenger John B. Tegg III,[15] and became the first African-American to serve in the post.

[6][19] Demings' Republican opponent in the Sheriff's race, John Tegg, alleged that his election would create a conflict of interest.

[18][6] In April 2022, Demings spoke out against the repeal of the Reedy Creek Improvement Act, saying that the Florida legislature had not "adequately contemplated the ramifications" and said it would put an "undue burden" on taxpayers.