Siblings engage in heated race as mother endorses one over the other
- Randolph Bracy and LaVon Bracy Davis are sibling candidates in the Florida State Senate District 15 Democratic primary.
- The race follows the passing of Geraldine Thompson and highlights deep familial tensions as their mother publicly endorses LaVon.
- The winner will advance to face Republican Willie Montague in the September general election.
In Florida, a unique political showdown is unfolding as siblings Randolph Bracy and LaVon Bracy Davis are competing for the Democratic nomination in the state Senate District 15 special primary election on June 24, 2025. This election was triggered by the recent passing of longtime senator Geraldine Thompson, which created a vacancy that both siblings seek to fill. Randolph has experience as a former state senator, while LaVon has served in the Florida House of Representatives. The rivalry between the two is deeply rooted in familial tension, further fueled by their mother, Lavon Wright Bracy, a distinguished civil rights activist, publicly endorsing LaVon over Randolph. This endorsement adds a layer of complexity to an already contentious race, as it is not the siblings’ first political rivalry; last year, LaVon also backed Thompson against Randolph in a primary election. Despite this familial divide, LaVon has emphasized that her campaign is not a challenge to her brother but rather an effort to honor and continue Thompson's work, focusing on key issues such as voting rights and teacher compensation. Both candidates appear poised to attract significant support with a notable demographic in the district; more than half of the registered Democrats are Black voters in western Orange County, including populous neighborhoods like Orlando, Ocoee, Apopka, Eatonville, and Dr. Phillips. Alongside the Bracys in the primary contest are personal injury attorney Coretta Anthony-Smith and former Congressman Alan Grayson, who has gained notoriety for his controversial remarks. The race has drawn substantial attention, as indicated by campaign materials circulated by Republican operatives, which playfully highlight the sibling rivalry with the slogan, “Bracy Yourself!” Randolph described his sister’s decision to enter the race as