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Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Results in for Democratic primaries held for Florida Senate Dist. 15, Florida House Dist. 40
The Brief State Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis has won the Democratic special election primary for Senate Dist. 15., defeating three others, including her brother, and a former congressman. Tuesday's special primary was held to fill the vacancy left by the passing of Sen. Geraldine Thompson. In the Democratic special election primary for House Dist. 40, former Rep. Travaris McCurdy was defeated by legislative aide RaShon Young. ORLANDO, Fla. - LaVon Bracy Davis and RaShon Young have won the Democratic special election primaries for Florida Senate Dist. 15 and Florida House Dist. 40, respectively. The two now advance to the special general election in September. Election Results State Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis has won the Democratic special election primary for Senate Dist. 15., defeating three others, including her brother, and a former congressman. The special primary election was held to fill the Florida Senate District 15 seat left vacant by the death of State Sen. Geraldine Thompson. Thompson, a respected legislator and civil rights advocate, died in February. Four Democrats were vying for the Senate nomination: current Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis, her brother and former Sen. Randolph Bracy, former U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, and attorney Coretta Anthony-Smith. A total of 12,880 votes were cast. In unofficial results released by the Orange County Supervisor of Elections, Bracy Davis won the Democratic primary with 42.96% of the vote (5,533 votes), followed by Coretta Anthony-Smith at 28.31% (3,646 votes). Former U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson trails with 16.72% (2,153 votes), while Randolph Bracy receives 12.02% (1,548 votes). The race had drawn interest due to the sibling rivalry and the involvement of notable political figures. The backstory Geraldine Thompson served the West Orlando area and was known for her work in education and civil rights. Her passing in February created a ripple in local Democratic politics, triggering a rare mid-cycle shuffle. Bracy Davis, her would-be successor, previously held House District 40, leaving that seat open and further adding to the electoral reshuffle. What's next LaVon Bracy Davis now advances to the Sept. 2 general election to face Republican Willie Montague, who secured his party's nomination unopposed. A special primary election was also held for Florida House District 40, which was up for grabs after Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis stepped down to run for the late Sen. Geraldine Thompson's Senate seat. Election Results Legislative aide RaShon Young defeated former State Rep. Travaris McCurdy and current. A total of 5,039 votes were cast. In unofficial results released by the Orange County Supervisor of Elections, RaShon Young won the Democratic primary with 55.43% of the vote (2,793 votes), defeating former state Rep. Travaris McCurdy, who received 44.57% (2,246 votes). A total of 5,039 votes were cast. The backstory Travaris McCurdy previously held a House seat and has served as a legislative aide to both Randolph Bracy and Geraldine Thompson. He lost a Democratic primary in 2022 after redistricting reshaped his political base. RaShon Young, 26, emerged from within the Bracy-Bracy Davis political network and now serves as Bracy Davis' chief of staff. She endorsed him the day she launched her Senate campaign. What's next The winner of the State House Dist. 40 Democratic primary will face Republican Tuan Le and write-in candidate Christopher Hall of Tallahassee in the Sept. 2 general election. 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 Florida Department of State Division of Elections, and the Orange County Supervisor of Elections.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
LaVon Bracy Davis, RaShon Young win Democratic primaries in special legislative election
LaVon Bracy Davis is one step closer to succeeding her mentor Geraldine Thompson after the sophomore lawmaker won the Democratic nomination for state Senate in Tuesday's special election. Bracy Davis' chief of staff, RaShon Young, also won his special Democratic primary to fill the state House seat she is vacating. The battle to succeed Thompson, a political icon in Central Florida who died in February just months after her reelection, drew some high-profile Democratic names including both Bracy Davis and her brother Randolph Bracy, a former state senator. Former congressman Alan Grayson also made his latest bid to return to office, and personal injury attorney Coretta Anthony-Smith, a political newcomer, made a strong showing. Bracy Davis took in nearly 43% of the vote in the special primary, with Anthony-Smith second with about 28%, Grayson in third with about 17%, and Bracy in last with just over 12%. 'I am humbled and honored to have earned the trust and support of the people of Senate District 15,' Bracy Davis said in a statement. 'I recognize that I am standing on the shoulders of the greats who came before me—especially my mentor, the late Sen. Geraldine F. Thompson,' she said. 'I promise to carry forward her legacy with integrity, courage, and a deep commitment to justice.' Bracy Davis will face Republican Willie Montague in the Sept. 2 special general election. The district, which includes parts of Orlando, Ocoee, Apopka and Winter Garden, leans Democratic with no GOP candidates having vied for the seat in 2022 and 2024. Young defeated former state Rep. Travaris McCurdy with more than 55% of the vote. He will face Republican Tuan Le and write-in candidate Christopher Hall of Tallahassee in the Sept. 2 general election. 'This victory is what constant commitment to leadership and to the people looks like,' Young said in a statement. 'From day one, this campaign was about lifting voices, fighting for justice, and standing in the gap for those too often left behind.' Young added he was 'deeply grateful' to Bracy Davis, 'who not only poured into me as a mentor, but walked alongside me as a champion for this community.' House District 40, which includes parts of west Orlando and Pine Hills, is also a heavily Democratic seat, with Bracy Davis getting 65% and 68% of the vote in her two House wins in 2022 and 2024. The family rivalry between Bracy Davis and her brother was one of the biggest stories of the Senate election, with Bracy — who jumped into the race within days of Thompson's death — saying his sister's bid 'dishonors' their late father, the Rev. Randolph Bracy Jr., 'in every way possible.' Bracy Davis, who was notably endorsed by their mother, civil rights activist LaVon Bracy, consistently said she wasn't running 'against' anyone. On Tuesday, she dedicated her victory to her father. 'I feel his presence in every step I take and every decision I make,' she said. 'His example continues to guide me, and tonight's victory is as much his as it is mine.' The last campaign finance reports filed before the election showed that tens of thousands of dollars had poured into the Senate race this month. Bracy Davis, who as an incumbent lawmaker was barred from raising funds during the extended legislative session, raised more than $50,000 in just three days between the end of session on June 16 and her campaign filing on Thursday. A political committee she chairs, Liberated by Democracy, raised $7,500 earlier this year. Anthony-Smith raised nearly $60,000 and loaned her campaign $175,000, while Grayson's filing last week showed he loaned his campaign more than $242,000, most of it in June. Bracy did not file a report last week, and earlier filings showed he raised about $3,000 and loaned himself another $6,000. In their race, Young took in $42,000 to McCurdy's $8,000 as of Thursday.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Democratic voters in Florida Senate Dist. 15, House Dist. 40 head to polls on Tuesday
The Brief Four Democrats — including siblings and a former congressman — are competing in Tuesday's special primary to fill the late Sen. Geraldine Thompson's seat. Campaign finance reports show heavy self-funding and last-minute fundraising surges ahead of the vote. Two candidates are competing in Tuesday's Democratic primary for Florida House District 40. ORLANDO, Fla. - A special primary election will be held on Tuesday to fill the vacancies for state senate, Senate District 15, and state representative, Florida House District 40. Polls open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. What we know A special Democratic primary election is set for Tuesday, June 24, 2025, to fill the Florida Senate District 15 seat left vacant by the death of State Sen. Geraldine Thompson. Thompson, a respected legislator and civil rights advocate, died in February. Four Democrats are vying for the Senate nomination: current Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis, her brother and former Sen. Randolph Bracy, former U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, and attorney Coretta Anthony-Smith. The race has drawn interest due to the sibling rivalry and the involvement of notable political figures. Davis has raised over $60,000, while Grayson has heavily self-funded, loaning more than $240,000 to his campaign. Anthony-Smith has raised nearly $59,000, while Bracy's latest fundraising numbers remain unposted, though he had raised $2,972 and loaned $6,050 to his campaign as of May 8. What we don't know Final campaign finance numbers for Randolph Bracy have yet to be disclosed. It's also unclear how the public is responding to the unusual family dynamic in the race and how this might affect turnout in what's expected to be a low-participation special election. The backstory Geraldine Thompson served the West Orlando area and was known for her work in education and civil rights. Her passing in January created a ripple in local Democratic politics, triggering a rare mid-cycle shuffle. Bracy Davis, her would-be successor, previously held House District 40, leaving that seat open and further adding to the electoral reshuffle. What's next The winner of the State Senate Dist. 15 Democratic primary will advance to the Sept. 2 general election to face Republican Willie Montague, who secured his party's nomination unopposed. The Florida House District 40 seat is up for grabs in Tuesday's special Democratic primary after Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis stepped down to run for the late Sen. Geraldine Thompson's Senate seat. What we know Two Democratic candidates — former Rep. Travaris McCurdy and current legislative aide RaShon Young — are vying to replace Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis. Young has raised over $59,000, $1,900 of which he loaned to his own campaign, while McCurdy has raised just over $8,380. What we don't know While endorsements and experience have played central roles in the race, it's unclear how voters will weigh age, political legacy, and ground-level experience. Young's relative youth and McCurdy's prior electoral loss in 2022 raise questions about how much name recognition and political mentorship will sway voters in this low-turnout special election. The backstory Travaris McCurdy previously held a House seat and has served as a legislative aide to both Randolph Bracy and Geraldine Thompson. He lost a Democratic primary in 2022 after redistricting reshaped his political base. RaShon Young, 26, emerged from within the Bracy-Bracy Davis political network and now serves as Bracy Davis' chief of staff. She endorsed him the day she launched her Senate campaign. Big picture view This contest reflects generational change and the continued influence of political dynasties in Central Florida. The Bracy family's endorsement network remains active across multiple races, shaping political succession in Orange County. The race also highlights how institutional ties and personal loyalty continue to drive local Democratic politics. What's next The winner of the State House Dist. 40 Democratic primary will face Republican Tuan Le of Titusville and write-in candidate Christopher Hall of Tallahassee in the Sept. 2 general election. 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 Florida Dept. of State Division of Elections.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Who's running to replace Sen. Geraldine Thompson? Meet the candidates in Florida's district 15 race
The Brief Four Democrats are vying to fill the late Sen. Geraldine Thompson's seat in a special primary election Tuesday, including Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis, her brother, former Sen. Randolph Bracy, former U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, and attorney Coretta Anthony-Smith. The race has drawn attention due to the Bracy siblings running against each other, with their mother endorsing her daughter. The winner will face Republican Willie Montague in the Sept. 2 general election. 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. 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. 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. 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. "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. 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.
Washington Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- Washington Post
Brother and sister compete for Florida state senate seat in a sibling showdown
ORLANDO, Fla. — Randolph Bracy and LaVon Bracy Davis are taking sibling rivalry to a new level as the brother and sister run against each other in a race for a Florida state Senate seat on Tuesday. Not only that, one of their opponents for the Democratic nomination in the district representing parts of metro Orlando is Alan Grayson, a combative former Democratic U.S. congressman who drew national attention in 2009 when he said in a House floor speech that the Republican health care plan was to 'die quickly.'
