Chief Val Demings announced her campaign pulled in another $210,000 in the first quarter and released a “State of the Race” memo for Florida’s 10th Congressional District. The memo was issued by Demings’ new Communications Director, Caroline Rowland, and recaps the many successes of Chief Demings’ campaign while summarizing the factors contributing to her commanding lead ahead of the August primary.
“The enthusiasm and momentum for my candidacy continues to grow with each day that I am out engaging the community,” said Chief Val Demings. “I am excited to continue fighting on behalf of Central Floridians, and I am confident that I will continue to have the resources to stay ahead and win the Democratic primary on August 30.”
Demings is running against State Senator Geraldine Thompson, Bob Poe and Fatima Fahmy in the Democratic primary. No Republican candidate has entered the race.
Here’s a copy of Demings’ “State of the Race” campaign memo:
To: Interested Parties
From: Caroline Rowland, Communications Director
Date: Thursday, April 14, 2015
RE: State of the Race: Florida Congressional District 10
Complementing her strong fundraising abilities, Val Demings leads her competitors in the measurable components critical to running a successful campaign for Congress. Whether it’s polling, endorsements, or fundraising, each factor tells the story of a campaign on a clear and confident path to victory in 2016.
Fundraising
Val Demings capped off a strong first quarter finish this year, raising over $210,000. This most recent haul fuels an operation supported by the same low dollar donors that led Demings to raise $160,000 within the first 45 days of launching her campaign. This quarter’s fundraising success is powered by 1,063 contributors, with the most common contribution being $25.
Leading in the Polls
Since announcing her candidacy in August, Chief Demings has been working tirelessly to listen to the stories of the people of Central Florida, while sharing her vision for the future and showcasing her extensive record as a leader able to get things done. Chief Demings is the well-known and trusted leader the people of Central Florida deserve.
Recent polling results prove Chief Demings’ commanding position with decisive leads that cut across all demographic lines:
- In the Democratic Primary 3-way matchup Demings receives 44% of the vote and leads the second place opponent by 20 points
- In the 3-way Democratic primary matchup, the third candidate only garners 7% of the vote
- Demings has a net positive 38% approval rating (55%-17%), and an approval rating of 55% – the highest approval rating among the Democratic primary candidates
- The third place candidatehas an upside down approval rating with only 14% of the district holding a favorable view while 21% hold an unfavorable opinion of the candidate.
- The second place candidateis known in the district but holds the highest unfavorable rating among FL-10 challengers with 23%.
Local and National Support
The Cook Political Report, a widely respected ratings and elections analysis website, noted that if elected, Demings has the potential to be one of Congress’ star members. To the members of the central Florida community who witnessed Chief Demings’ effective leadership as Orlando’s first female police chief, this sentiment is welcomed with little surprise. Her unparalleled success at reducing violent crime in Orlando earned her great respect among her peers.
She has earned many local and national endorsements including:
- Local Teamsters 385
- International Brother of Electrical Workers Local 606
- United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1625
- House Democratic LeaderNancy Pelosi
- House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer
- Congressional Black Caucus PAC
- Congressman Jim Clyburn
- EMILY’s List
- Services Trade Council
- National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare PAC
In Conclusion
When Val Demings first ran for CD-10 in 2012, her problem-solving and effective leadership style resonated with Central Floridians, when she nearly upset a well-known Republican incumbent in a district gerrymandered to favor him. In 2016, Chief Val Demings has picked right back up where she left off, emerging as the leading Democratic candidate to take FL-10 from red to blue.
