Rep. Val Demings is seen as the Democrat’s top statewide candidate. | J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo Demings launches Senate bid against Rubio Updated Orlando Democratic Rep. Val Demings on Wednesday launched her bid to knock off GOP Sen. Marco Rubio, a race that Democrats hope to use to regain relevance in a state dominated by Republicans. Demings, a 64-year-old black former Orlando police chief, is seen as the Democrat’s top statewide candidate. She had eyed a run for governor before POLITICO reported in May that she was shifting focus to challenge Rubio. That move sent ripple effects throughout the field, as Demings was seen as a likely favorite in either Democratic primary race.