State Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis, D-District 40, has announced she is resigning from the House of Representatives so she can run for Florida Senate 15, which was vacated upon state Sen. Geraldine Thompson’s death.
“With the support and endorsement of the late Senator Geraldine Thompson’s family, and in honor of her remarkable legacy of service, I am stepping forward to continue her work and to fight for the values she held dear,” the Democratic politician wrote in her April 10 letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis. “Senator Thompson was a trailblazer, a fierce advocate, and a tireless champion for justice, education, and equity, I am humbled by the opportunity to carry her torch forward, and with the support of our community, I hope to do just that in the Florida Senate.”
Bracy Davis’ resignation is effective Sept. 1.
Since her first day in office as state representative for Florida’s House District 40, Bracy Davis wrote in her letter that she has fought on behalf of her constituents for quality education, affordable housing, protection of the right to vote, criminal justice reform and economic opportunity.
“In my time here, I have seen hope restored in neighborhoods too often overlooked. I’ve seen new investments flow into our communities, local businesses thrive, students find their voice through civic engagement, and families gain access to critical services and resources,” Bracy Davis wrote. “My team and I have done meaningful, worthwhile work, and I am proud of all we’ve accomplished on behalf of the people.”
Bracy Davis announced her campaign for District 15 in a March 21 Facebook video. She assumed office as District 40 state representative in November 2022.
She will run against her brother, Randolph Bracy III, who announced his campaign for Senate District 15 in a Feb. 14 Instagram video.
Qualifying dates are from April 21 through April 23 for the Senate District 15 special election. The primary will take place June 24, followed by the special election on Sept. 2, the Orange County Supervisor of Elections announced on its website on April 9.
Randolph Bracy III held the Senate District 15 seat from 2016 to 2022 before vacating it for a congressional bid. Rep. Maxwell Frost defeated him in the 2022 Democratic primary. Last November, Bracy lost a Senate District 15 primary race to Thompson, who garnered more than 60% of the vote.
Thompson died on Feb. 13 due to complications from knee replacement surgery. She had been in Florida politics for almost 20 years, including her most recent and last position as state senator for District 15, which includes Apopka and much of west Orange County.
Known as a civil rights advocate, Thompson advocated for voters’ rights and the preservation of local African American history.
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