Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings announced Friday he is suspending his campaign for Florida governor following a prostate cancer diagnosis. The Democrat delivered the news after his final State of the County address, stating doctors confirmed the diagnosis on Monday and shared it with family Thursday.

Demings emphasized he is suspending his gubernatorial bid to pursue treatment while reaffirming his commitment to continuing his duties as Orange County mayor. He described his plans for the next six months as “running through the finish line” in his current role.

Demings, sworn in as Orange County’s fifth elected mayor on December 4, 2018, and reelected in 2022, became Florida’s first African American mayor of the county. He oversees more than 8,000 employees and a $7 billion budget. His administration established the County’s first Housing Trust Fund in 2020 with a $160 million commitment over ten years to address affordable housing needs.

Prior to his mayoral term, Demings made history as Orlando’s first African American police chief in 1998 and later became Orange County’s first African American sheriff in 2008—a position he held through re-elections in 2012 and 2016.

The Florida Democratic primary field has shifted with David Jolly remaining as a candidate, though Demings’ departure reduces the party’s representation in the governor’s race. Republicans retain momentum in the state, where President Trump carried the gubernatorial seat previously.