Latest news with #RandolphBracy
Daily Mail
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Family divided as brother and sister go head to head in Florida election... and force their mom to pick a side
Two siblings faced off in the same Florida state election that turned into a bitter family dispute. Randolph Bracy lost to his sister LaVon Bracy Davis in Florida's Senate District 15 special election, and was defeated after their own mother came out against him. The siblings, both Democrats, campaigned to succeed longtime Florida State Senator Geraldine Thompson, who died earlier this year. And in the run-up to Tuesday's voting they were far from cordial. LaVon won the election handily with 42 percent support, while her brother trailed with just 12 percent. Two other candidates came between them, with LaVon's success coming as she promoted herself as a continuation of Thompson's legacy. Randolph, a former state representative and state senator, entered the race first earlier this year, and when his sister joined the election, he said her decision was 'disappointing and hurtful.' He had previously run against Thompson in 2024, but his mother LaVon Wright Bracy, a civil rights activist, endorsed his opponent rather than her own son. And this time around, the siblings' mother endorsed her daughter, and revealed her stance in an Instagram video where she announced that she was also running LaVon's campaign. When Randolph lost to Thompson last year, both his sister and mother endorsed his opponent before he lost the race. His mother had been a close friend of Thompson and was even her maid of honor, according to the BBC. In the election campaign, Bracy Davis was also endorsed by Thompson's family to succeed her, and said she would pick up Thompson's 'torch of justice, progress, and service.' Although her brother slated her decision to run against him, Bracy Davis largely ignored the family controversy in the race. When asked earlier this year about her opponents, she said she wasn't running 'against any of them — I'm running for the people of Senate District 15.' While not citing her brother's 'disappointment', Bracy said she was 'proud of the positive campaign I've run-one rooted in respect, results, and real connection. 'While not every campaign has taken that approach, I've stayed focused on uplifting our community rather than tearing others down,' she said during the election cycle. After losing the support of his sister and mother, Randolph ignored his mother's civil rights legacy and reportedly only spoke of his father, Randolph Bracy Jr., who was a local NAACP president in Florida. He had previously served in a different state senate seat until he decided to run for Congress in 2022, which he lost. Bracy Davis has also previously served as a state representative, and is now expected to win the general election against Republican Willie Montague, the founder of a faith-based rehab facility, in their liberal district. During the campaign, the sibling rivalry was reportedly seized upon by a Republican political operative, who sent fliers around their district telling voters to 'Bracy yourself.'
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.
BBC News
2 days ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Sister vs brother: A local Florida election is a sibling rivalry
A brother and sister on Tuesday are taking sibling competition to a new level - specifically the local election level. Randolph Bracy and LaVon Bracy Davis are running against each other to become the Democratic nominee for a state senate seat in Florida. And in this sibling rivalry, their mother has taken a side: Lavon Wright Bracy is serving as her daughter's campaign manager, according to her Instagram profile. There are four contestants altogether in the primary in Orlando, and the victor is expected to win the general election in September. One of the Bracy family's close friends, civil rights activist Geraldine Thompson, held the seat for two decades until she died earlier this year. Ms Bracy, the siblings' mother, was maid of honour in Thompson's wedding. The Thompson family, too, has sided with Ms Bracy Davis and endorsed her in Tuesday's race. On her campaign site Ms Bracy Davis casts herself as picking up Thompson's "torch of justice, progress, and service". Her brother, meanwhile, on his site touts his family's legacy of serving central Florida for more than 30 years, but he only mentions his father, not his Bracy told the Orlando Sentinel it was "disappointing and hurtful" that his sister decided to enter the primary race and run against Bracy Davis has largely avoided discussing the subject of taking on her brother. The BBC has contacted both for comment. History suggests there may be some complicated family dynamics at Mr Bracy ran against Thompson in a Democratic primary in 2024, Ms Bracy Davis endorsed the family friend over her brother. Both siblings have a history of serving in the state legislature, and Mr Bracy held a different seat in the state senate until he decided to run for the US House of Representatives in of the more dramatic examples of siblings competing against each other in US politics goes back to 1871 and the brothers Willard, Gove and Eli Saulsbury. When Willard realised he would lose to Gove by one or two votes, he threw his support behind Eli, a surprise late entrant to the competition for the US Senate seat for Delaware. Eli then went on to serve in Congress for 18 saw three pair of siblings compete in local elections in 2019, but only one set ran against each other. In that case, the mother did not disclose which one got her addition to the Bracy siblings, there are two other contenders in Tuesday's Democratic primary in Florida - former US congressman lan Grayson and Coretta Anthony-Smith, a personal injury attorney. The winner of Tuesday's race is expected to succeed in the general election in September against Republican Willie Montague, as the district is a Democratic stronghold. A Republican political operative recently sent fliers out in the Orlando area that poked fun at the sibling rivalry with a pun, the AP reported: "Bracy yourself."
.jpg%3Ftrim%3D0%2C0%2C0%2C0%26width%3D1200%26height%3D800%26crop%3D1200%3A800&w=3840&q=100)
The Independent
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Florida brother and sister are running against each other in ‘hurtful' state senate race
Randolph Bracy and LaVon Bracy Davis are squaring off in the Democratic primary for Florida's State Senate District 15 seat on Tuesday. And the similarity in surnames on the ballot isn''t a coincidence — the Bracys are brother and sister on opposite sides of a heated political battle being closely watched across the Sunshine State. The seat, once held by longtime state Sen. Geraldine Thompson, opened earlier this year following Thompson's death. Both Bracy siblings bring legislative experience: Randolph is a former state senator, and LaVon served in the Florida House of Representatives. This family feud is rooted in deep tension. Their mother, prominent civil rights activist Lavon Wright Bracy, who was not only a close friend of Thompson but maid of honor at her wedding, has publicly endorsed LaVon over Randolph. This isn't the first time the Bracy family has been entangled in political rivalry. During last year's Democratic primary for a state Senate seat, when Randolph Bracy and Geraldine Thompson faced off, LaVon Bracy Davis publicly backed Thompson over her own brother. Recently, a Republican political operative circulated campaign flyers with the tongue-in-cheek headline, 'Bracy Yourself!' Randolph, 48, told the Orlando Sentinel that his sister's entry into the race after he announced his bid was 'disappointing and hurtful.' Meanwhile, LaVon, 45, says her campaign is not a challenge to her brother, but a pledge to serve the people of District 15. She has pledged to continue Thompson's legacy, focusing on voting rights and increasing pay for public school teachers. Thompson's family has backed LaVon, an attorney by training. Also running in the primary are personal injury attorney, Coretta Anthony‑Smith, and former Congressman Alan Grayson, best known for his 2009 speech on the House floor where he claimed Republicans want sick Americans to "die quickly." The winner will advance to face Republican Willie Montague in September in a heavily Democratic district. District 15 covers western Orange County, including Orlando neighborhoods such as Ocoee, Apopka, Eatonville, and Dr. Phillips, areas where Black voters make up more than half of the registered Democrats.
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.
