Val Demings

Valdez Venita Butler, known as Val Demings, was born on March 12, 1957, in Jacksonville, Florida. She grew up in a working-class neighborhood and was the youngest of seven children. Her parents emphasized the importance of education, hard work, and community service, values that shaped her later career in law enforcement and politics.

Val Demings graduated from Florida State University in 1979 with a degree in criminology. Her education laid the foundation for her future career in law enforcement, motivating her to pursue a path dedicated to justice and public service. She later went on to serve in various capacities within the police force.

On December 18, 1999, Val Demings was appointed as the Chief of Police for Orlando, Florida, making her the first woman to hold this position in the city's history. During her tenure, she implemented significant changes in the department, focusing on improving diversity and reducing crime rates. Her leadership was marked by various community-oriented initiatives.

In 2012, Val Demings ran for the United States House of Representatives in Florida's 10th congressional district. Though she did not win, her campaign was noted for its strong grassroots efforts and impressive fundraising. This experience paved the way for her later successful campaigns and increased her visibility in Florida politics.

Val Demings was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Florida's 10th congressional district on November 8, 2016. Her election marked the beginning of her tenure in Congress, where she focused on issues such as gun control, justice reform, and economic development. She quickly became known for her effective advocacy and leadership.

On January 15, 2020, Val Demings was named one of the House impeachment managers for the first impeachment trial of President Donald Trump. In this role, she was responsible for presenting the case against the president before the Senate. Her performance was widely recognized for its clarity and compelling advocacy, earning her national attention.

On May 18, 2021, Val Demings announced her candidacy for the United States Senate, aiming to challenge incumbent Senator Marco Rubio in the 2022 midterms. Her campaign focused on themes of resilience and leadership, advocating for a range of issues including healthcare reform, economic equality, and social justice.

In September 2021, Val Demings published her memoir, 'My Name Is Being Called,' which provides insights into her life journey from growing up in poverty to serving as the Chief of Police and a U.S. Congresswoman. The book highlights her dedication to public service and the personal experiences that shaped her career.

On November 8, 2022, Val Demings ran in the general election for the U.S. Senate seat from Florida against incumbent Senator Marco Rubio. Despite a vigorous campaign and strong support from her base, she was unable to unseat Rubio, who retained his position. Her campaign was noted for its strong grassroots mobilization and its emphasis on critical issues like healthcare and economic justice.