Sibling Rivalry in Florida Politics: Bracy vs. Bracy Davis for Senate District 15

June 7, 2025

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Lavon Bracy Davis and Randolph Bracy III running for same Senate seat

ORLANDO, FL — A rare political showdown has been unfolding in Florida’s Senate District 15, where two siblings—former State Senator Randolph Bracy III and current State Representative LaVon Bracy Davis—are competing for the same seat in a predictably contentious Democratic primary. The vacancy was created by the passing of longtime Sen. Geraldine Thompson in February, setting the stage for a family-driven battle that has drawn statewide attention. Because of the similarities in their surnames, they will sometimes herein be referred to by their first names.

by Kevin Seraaj, OrlandoAdvocate.com

A Family Divided

The Bracy siblings come from a prominent Central Florida political family, with their father, Randolph Bracy Sr., having been a respected pastor and civil rights leader. However, their campaigns have exposed deep divisions.

Randolph Bracy, who previously held the Senate seat from 2016 to 2022, announced his candidacy shortly after Thompson’s death, positioning himself as an experienced leader.
LaVon Bracy Davis, currently serving in the Florida House, launched her campaign weeks later with endorsements from key allies of the late Sen. Thompson, framing herself as the natural successor to Thompson’s legacy.

The rivalry is not new. In 2024, when Randolph Bracy ran against Thompson for the seat, both Lavon and their mother surprised local pundits by endorsing Thompson over Randolph— a move he called a betrayal. Thompson won that election. Now, Rep. Bracy-Davis’ decision to challenge him directly has reignited those tensions.

Campaign Controversies

The race has been marked by several disputes:

“Re-Elect” Sign Backlash

Randolph faced criticism for posting campaign signs that read “Re-Elect Randolph Bracy.” While he is a former State Senator, he never occupied the seat he is now running for. So the term “re-elect” is not only misleading, but its use is legally restricted to sitting incumbents. After media scrutiny, his team acknowledged the error and promised corrections.

HOA Foreclosure Issue

Reports surfaced that the former Senator is facing foreclosure threats from his homeowners’ association over unpaid fees and alleged property neglect. His campaign has not provided a detailed response.

Outside Attacks

A Republican-aligned group, the Committee to Protect Florida, aired ads accusing both candidates of being “too close to the insurance industry.” The Bracy-Davis campaign demanded retractions, calling the claims misleading.

The Stakes of the Race

The June 24 Democratic primary will determine who advances to the general election in this heavily Democratic district. While Randolph emphasizes his legislative experience, Lavon highlights her alignment with Thompson’s progressive policies.

Despite the competition, both have so far avoided personal attacks, instead invoking their father’s legacy. Randolph has declined to debate his sister, saying he wants to “keep the focus on the issues.” Meanwhile, LaVon has stressed that her campaign is about “serving the people, not family politics.”

Rep. Bracy-Davis has been endorsed by Thompson’s family, as well as Circuit Nine State Attorney Monique Worrell, who says Bracy-Davis would be a senator who has already worked hard in the State House to improve the juvenile justice system.

“She was a diligent advocate for ensuring the safety of our community and ensuring that we can help the children in our community,” Worrell said.

What’s Next?

With early voting approaching, the race remains unpredictable. Observers note that the outcome could hinge on whether voters prioritize experience or a fresh continuation of Thompson’s work. Either way, the Bracy name will remain in Florida politics—but only one sibling will emerge victorious.

This report is based on publicly available campaign statements, financial disclosures, and local news coverage.

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