Florida’s Historic Black Political Trailblazers
By Bobby R. Henry, Sr.
“Representation isn’t just about being seen — it’s about being heard, respected, and remembered.”
As Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings launches his campaign for governor, his candidacy carries the weight of legacy — a continuation of the struggle and success of those who paved the way for greater representation and justice in Florida politics.
Below are four leaders whose courage, conviction, and commitment to community have shaped the political story of the Sunshine State.
Andrew Gillum – Breaking Barriers in 2018
In 2018, Andrew Gillum, then the mayor of Tallahassee, became the first Black gubernatorial nominee of a major political party in Florida. His campaign energized young voters, inspired progressives, and brought national attention to issues of education, criminal justice reform, and healthcare access.
Although his narrow loss to Ron DeSantis was one of the closest in Florida’s history, Gillum’s campaign shattered ceilings and opened doors for a new generation of Black political leaders.
“Gillum’s campaign redefined what’s possible in Florida politics.”
Val Demings – From Police Chief to Congresswoman
Before she became a three-term member of Congress, Val Demings made history as Orlando’s first female police chief. Her journey from growing up in Jacksonville’s public housing to serving in the U.S. House of Representatives embodies perseverance and purpose.
In 2022, she ran for U.S. Senate, further cementing her place among Florida’s most influential leaders and setting the stage for her husband, Jerry Demings, to take the baton forward.
Aramis Ayala – The Justice Reformer
When Aramis Ayala was elected in 2016 as the first Black state attorney in Florida’s history, she brought a bold vision of fairness and reform to the criminal justice system. Her principled stance against the death penalty sparked national debate and placed her at the center of one of Florida’s defining conversations about race, equity, and justice.
“Ayala’s courage challenged the system and reminded Florida that justice must serve everyone.”
Jerry Demings – Continuing the Legacy
Now stepping onto the statewide stage, Jerry Demings is no stranger to leadership or history-making moments. A former Orlando police chief, Orange County sheriff, and the county’s first African American mayor, he has spent decades bridging communities and protecting public trust.
If elected governor, Demings would make history as Florida’s first African American governor, building on the unfinished work of those who came before him and setting a new standard for inclusive leadership in the nation’s third most populous state.
Jerry Demings addressing the affordability
“Together, these leaders prove that progress is not an accident — it’s the product of courage, service, and an unyielding belief in what’s possible.”
— The Westside Gazette
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