Who’s running to replace Sen. Geraldine Thompson? Meet the candidates in Florida’s district 15 race
Homegoing service for State Sen. Geraldine Thompson
A memorial was held to honor the life of State Sen. Geraldine Thompson. Family, friends, and the Orlando community brought flowers to the "homegoing" service at the Majestic Life Church. She passed away this month due to complications from knee surgery. Thompson was a wife, mother, and even great-grandmother. She spent years championing education, healthcare, and civil rights reform. She was 76.
ORLANDO, Fla. - The death of State Senator Geraldine Thompson earlier this year left a notable vacancy in Central Florida politics, prompting a crowded field of candidates eager to fill her seat in the Florida Legislature.
Who are the candidates in the Democratic primary?
What we know:
A Democratic special election will be held on Tuesday with four candidates in the race:
- Representative LaVon Bracy Davis (Sister of Randolph Bracy)
- Former state Senator Randolph Bracy (Brother of LaVon Bracy Davis)
- Former firebrand congressman Alan Grayson
- Personal injury attorney Coretta Anthony-Smith
This race comes with a sibling face-off between Representative LaVon Bracy Davis and former state Senator Randolph Bracy. The sibling's mother, civil rights icon LaVon Bracy, has endorsed her daughter over her son.
Representative LaVon Bracy Davis | Former state Senator Randolph Bracy | Former firebrand congressman Alan Grayson | Personal injury attorney Coretta Anthony-Smith
Candidates will have to appeal to a diverse electorate spanning Orange County’s urban core to its western suburbs, a region Thompson was known for fiercely advocating on behalf of.
The Democratic primary will take place on Tuesday, June 24, with the special general election set for Tuesday, September 2.
Who was Geraldine Thompson?
Dig deeper:
Thompson, a longtime lawmaker and champion for education, civil rights, and West Orlando communities, died in January, just weeks before the start of the 2025 legislative session.
"Senator Geraldine Thompson was so much more than a dedicated public servant and visionary leader. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose love, wisdom, and compassion shaped their lives and the lives of so many in their community and across the state," her family said in a statement following her passing.
Sen. Geraldine Thompson chairs the Florida Museum of Black History Task Force but dissented Friday. [NSF: Colin Hackley/File]
"Senator Geraldine Thompson was a true trailblazer in Florida politics. A lifelong public servant and a fighter for civil rights, her impact on Florida stretched far beyond the average elected official," the Florida Democratic Party said in a statement following her passing.
Her passing marked the end of a decades-long career in public service that began in the Florida House and culminated with her return to the Senate in 2020.
When can you vote in the Democratic primary?
What's next:
Polls in Senate District 15 will be open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the Democratic primary.
The winner will advance to the Sept. 2 general election to face Republican Willie Montague, who secured his party’s nomination unopposed.
STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO:
- Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines
- Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar
- Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines
- FOX Local: Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV
The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the News Service of Florida.