Val Demings

Val Demings is an American politician and former law enforcement officer who served as the U.S. Representative for Florida's 10th congressional district from 2017 to 2023. A member of the Democratic Party, she previously served as the 36th chief of the Orlando Police Department, becoming the first woman to hold that position. Demings gained national prominence as a House manager during the first impeachment trial of President Donald Trump and was the Democratic nominee in the 2022 U.S. Senate election in Florida.

Early life and education

Valdez Venita Butler was born in Jacksonville, Florida, one of seven children raised by Elouise Butler, a maid, and James Butler Jr., a janitor and landscaper. She grew up in a poor neighborhood and was inspired by her parents' work ethic and the Civil Rights Movement. Demings attended Florida State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminology. She later obtained a Master of Arts in public administration from Webster University.

Law enforcement career

Demings began her career in law enforcement in 1983 as a patrol officer with the Orlando Police Department. She rose through the ranks over a 27-year career, holding positions in various divisions including SWAT, Criminal Investigations, and Internal Affairs. In December 2007, she was appointed by Mayor Buddy Dyer to serve as chief of police, overseeing a department of over 1,200 personnel. Her tenure included initiatives to reduce violent crime and improve community relations, and she retired from the department in 2011.

U.S. House of Representatives

Demings was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2016, representing a district encompassing much of western Orange County, including parts of Orlando. She served on the House Homeland Security Committee and the House Judiciary Committee. In 2019, she was appointed by Speaker Nancy Pelosi as a House manager for the impeachment trial of Donald Trump, delivering a notable opening argument. She was also a member of the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol.

2022 U.S. Senate election

In 2021, Demings launched a campaign for the United States Senate, challenging incumbent Republican Senator Marco Rubio. She won the Democratic primary uncontested and faced Rubio in the general election. The race was one of the most expensive Senate contests of the 2022 cycle, with Demings raising significant funds. Despite a competitive campaign, she was defeated by Rubio, who won re-election by a margin of over 16 percentage points.

Political positions

Demings is a progressive Democrat who supports the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and expanding Medicare. She advocates for common-sense gun safety measures, including universal background checks and a ban on assault-style weapons. On economic issues, she supports raising the federal minimum wage and investing in infrastructure. In foreign policy, she has been a strong supporter of NATO and U.S. support for Israel, and has taken a hardline stance against the Chinese Communist Party.

Personal life

Demings is married to Jerry Demings, who served as Sheriff of Orange County and is currently the Mayor of Orange County. They have three children together. She is a lifelong member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. In her memoir, "**The Heart of the Matter**", she discusses her faith, family, and career in public service. Category:1957 births Category:Living people Category:Members of the United States House of Representatives from Florida Category:Florida Democrats Category:Orlando Police Department chiefs Category:People from Jacksonville, Florida Category:Florida State University alumni Category:Webster University alumni