Demings Decision to Drop Bid for Mayoral Race Surprises Mayor Jacobs
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
By: Amy Green

May 20, 2014 | WMFE, Orlando - Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs says she's surprised Val Demings is dropping her campaign. Demings' announcement today leaves Jacobs with little opposition in her bid for re-election.

[Mayor Jacobs found out about Demings dropping her bid for mayorship after receiving text messages from reporters. Photo: Ernest Duffoo, WMFE]

Jacobs says she learned of Demings' announcement from reporters. She says she'll continue to focus on issues important to her like homelessness.

"Obviously I know that this is not something she entered into lightly. And I know she's had, like I said, a very long history of public service," Jacobs said.

Both women are well-known and respected in Central Florida.

Jacobs is a popular incumbent who had a healthy head-start in fundraising.

Demings spent nearly 30 years in the Orlando Police Department before retiring as chief in 2011. She was the first woman in the position.

She ran for Congress the next year, losing to Representative Dan Webster in a close race.