Brother vs sister fight in Democratic primary in Florida state Senate race

In an extraordinary political contest that blends family dynamics with public service, brother and sister Randolph Bracy and LaVon Bracy Davis are competing against each other in the Democratic primary for Florida’s State Senate District 15 seat. This rare sibling showdown is unfolding in a
district that includes parts of metro Orlando such as Ocoee, Oakland, Windermere, Dr. Phillips, Apopka, Eatonville, and sections of Orlando itself.

The race is to fill the seat formerly held by Geraldine Thompson, a pioneering and veteran lawmaker who passed away earlier this year due to complications from knee-replacement surgery.
Thompson was highly respected for her advocacy on civil rights and education, and her legacy is a significant point of reference in this election. LaVon Bracy Davis has received the endorsement of Thompson’s family, underscoring her commitment to continue that legacy, particularly in advancing voters’ rights and increasing pay for public school teachers.

This is not the first time family endorsements have split along sibling lines. In 2024, when Randolph Bracy ran against Geraldine Thompson in a Democratic primary, LaVon Bracy Davis endorsed Thompson over her brother, illustrating the complex political and personal dynamics at play.

The candidates

• Randolph Bracy: The elder sibling, 48, is a former Florida state senator with a background that includes professional basketball overseas in Turkey. He announced his candidacy shortly after Thompson’s death and has expressed disappointment over his sister’s decision to run against him, calling it “disappointing and hurtful”.
• LaVon Bracy Davis: At 45, she is an attorney by training and a current Florida state representative. She announced her candidacy in March 2025, flanked by her mother, Lavon Wright Bracy, and members of Thompson’s family. Davis emphasizes that her campaign is focused on serving the people of District 15 rather than targeting her brother or other candidates.
• Alan Grayson: A notable contender is the former Democratic U.S. congressman known for his combative style and national notoriety, including his 2009 House speech criticizing the Republican health care plan. Grayson has served multiple terms in Congress but lost a Senate bid in 2016. His presence adds a high-profile element to the primary.
• Coretta Anthony-Smith: A personal injury attorney, also running in the Democratic primary, adding further competition.

District 15 is a Democratic stronghold where Black voters constitute more than half of the registered Democrats, making the primary the decisive contest ahead of the general election against Republican Willie Montague in September. The district’s demographics and political leanings set the stage for a vigorous Democratic primary.