Biography
Valdez Venita "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. Born on March 12, 1957, in Jacksonville, Florida, she was the youngest of seven children in a working-class family. Her father worked as a janitor, and her mother was a maid, instilling in her a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility.
Demings began her career as a social worker in Jacksonville, focusing on foster children. In 1983, she joined the Orlando Police Department , where she rose through the ranks to become the department's first female chief in 2007. During her tenure, she implemented programs that reduced violent crime by over 40%.
In 2016, Demings was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Florida's 10th district. She served on several key committees, including Homeland Security, Judiciary, and Intelligence, and was a member of the Congressional Black Caucus and the New Democrat Coalition.
In 2020, she gained national attention as one of the impeachment managers during the first Senate trial of President Donald Trump. In 2022, Demings ran for the U.S. Senate but was defeated by incumbent Republican Marco Rubio.
Education and Political Experience
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Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Criminology from Florida State University
- Master of Public Administration from Webster University
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Political Experience:
- Chief of the Orlando Police Department
- U.S. Representative for Florida's 10th congressional district
- Impeachment Manager during the first Senate trial of President Donald Trump
- Candidate for U.S. Senate from Florida
