val_demings.jpgORLANDO, Fla. (AP) _ Orlando's first female African American police chief has announced she is running for Congress.

Val Demings made a formal announcement Wednesday afternoon in downtown Orlando after being introduced by Mayor Buddy Dyer.

Demings will run for the 8th District seat which is now occupied by Republican Daniel Webster. She may face competition in the Democratic primary from former Rep. Alan Grayson, who said earlier this week he plans to run for Congress.

Grayson may seek his former 8th District seat or try for a new congressional seat that may be created in central Florida after state lawmakers finish the redistricting process next year.

Demings is married to Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings. She was Orlando's police chief from December 2007 to last May.