A political family feud is brewing in Orange County, Florida, as State Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis and her brother, former State Sen. Randolph Bracy III, prepare to compete for the Florida Senate District 15 seat left vacant by the passing of Sen. Geraldine Thompson.
Gov. Ron DeSantis has yet to announce the date for the special election, but both Bracy Davis and Bracy III have declared their candidacies. Bracy Davis announced her bid last week, pledging to honor Thompson’s legacy and represent the district with integrity. She has already secured the endorsement of Thompson’s family, with Thompson’s daughter, Elizabeth Thompson Grace, speaking in support.
Bracy III, who previously served in the Senate before an unsuccessful congressional run in 2022, attempted a return to the state legislature in 2023 but was defeated by Thompson in the Democratic primary. Notably, his sister and mother endorsed Thompson during that race.
Tensions between the siblings have been simmering. In 2024, Bracy III accused Thompson of not residing in the district and threatened legal action against her. Then, just one day after Thompson’s death on February 13, he announced his intention to run for the seat, stating on social media, “The answer is yes, I will be seeking election for District 15.”
Following his sister’s announcement, Bracy III issued a strongly worded statement condemning her decision:
“This is a sad day for the Bracy name. My sister choosing to run against me dishonors our father’s legacy in every way possible. I will not disparage our father, who believed in this family, by debating my sister in any format.”
The special election follows the passing of Thompson at age 76 due to complications from knee replacement surgery. Thompson, a trailblazing figure in Florida politics and a longtime champion of civil rights, spent decades advocating for education, Black history preservation, and underserved communities.
“Senator Geraldine Thompson was so much more than a dedicated public servant and visionary leader,” her family said in a statement. “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.”
As the election approaches, Orange County voters will witness a rare and deeply personal political contest between two siblings vying to carry on Thompson’s legacy.
