The Orlando Voice Voter Guide: 2025 FL SD 15 Special Election - Democratic Candidates - T8020 Orlando – Tokenized Access to Influence, Innovation, and Incentives

The Orlando Voice provides its political analysis of the Democratic candidates for the Tuesday, June 24, 2025 Special Election. The Orlando Voice examines the SD 15 Democratic candidates who qualified to compete: attorney Coretta Anthony-Smith, former state Senator Randolph Bracy, state Representative Lavon Bracy-Davis and former Congressman Alan Grayson. The special Democratic primary election is scheduled for Tuesday, June 24, 2025. The winner of the Democratic primary will face Republican Willie Montague in the special general election on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

Article content — Attorney Coretta Anthony-Smith

Candidate Analysis: Coretta Anthony-Smith

Coretta Anthony-Smith is an Ocoee-based attorney, owner of Anthony-Smith Law, and a first-time candidate for public office, now running for Florida State Senate District 15. She is a native Floridian, raised in Naples, and has deep roots in the community. Anthony-Smith holds a B.S. in Marketing from Georgetown University and a J.D. from the University of Florida Levin College of Law. Her legal career began in insurance defense, however, since 2004 she has focused on representing individuals against insurance companies, founding her own firm in 2007 2 6 9 11. She is active in community service, serves on legal committees, and has contributed to legal publications 9. Her campaign themes include affordable property insurance, public safety, and housing 5 6 11.

Electability Assessment

1. Campaign Experience (Scale: 0–10)

Rating: 4

2. Fundraising Potential (Scale: 0–10)

Rating: 9

3. Name Recognition (Scale: 0–10)

Rating: 3

SWOT Analysis

Strengths

Successful legal career
Self-funding ability
Deep community roots
Local advocacy
Focus on issues resonant with voters (insurance, housing, safety)

Weaknesses

No campaign experience
Low name recognition
No legislative record
Newcomer status in a crowded, high-profile field

Opportunities

Voter appetite for fresh faces
Outsider appeal
Can self-finance in a short election cycle
Can target issues like insurance reform, which are top-of-mind for district residents

Threats

Facing seasoned politicians with strong bases
Risk of being overshadowed by political veterans
Compressed timeline limits ability to build recognition

Leesburg Grid Assessment

Viability: Significant financial resources are a plus, however, lack of political experience and recognition are significant hurdles.
Visibility: Low to moderate-limited public profile, however, personal story and legal advocacy could be leveraged for media attention.
Credibility: High in the legal field, moderate in politics-her legal background and community work lend credibility, however, she lacks a legislative record.
Organization: Unknown-no public evidence of campaign infrastructure or endorsements, but financial resources could help build quickly.

Legal and Legislative Record

Anthony-Smith has no legislative record, as she has not held public office. Her legal career is distinguished by advocacy for consumers and accident victims, leadership in her own law firm, and service on Florida Bar committees 2 8 9. She has contributed to legal publications and participated in community service, but there is no record of legal controversies or disciplinary actions 7 9.

Comparison to High-Profile Opponents

Summary

Coretta Anthony-Smith is a respected attorney and community advocate with strong financial resources and a compelling personal story, but she faces formidable challenges in name recognition, campaign experience, and political infrastructure. In a field dominated by veteran politicians with established bases, her outsider status and ability to self-fund are her primary assets. Her campaign’s focus on insurance reform, housing, and public safety aligns with district concerns, but her ability to break through will depend on rapid organization, effective messaging, and leveraging her unique background to connect with voters 1 5 6 11.

Citations:

Candidate Analysis: Randolph Bracy

Former state Senator Randolph Bracy is a Democratic politician from Orlando, Florida, who previously served as a state senator representing parts of Orange County 1 2. Bracy has a notable history in Florida politics, having held office in both the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate for a combined decade 6. After vacating his Senate seat in 2022 to pursue a congressional run-an effort that was unsuccessful-he attempted to reclaim his former Senate seat in 2023 but lost in the Democratic primary to Senator Geraldine Thompson 2 5. Following Thompson’s passing in February 2025, Bracy has announced his candidacy for the now-vacant Senate District 15 seat 2 7.

Electability Assessment

1. Campaign Experience (0–10):

Bracy has extensive campaign experience, having successfully run for both the Florida House and Senate, and having mounted a congressional campaign 1 2 5. He is familiar with the mechanics of both primary and general elections, and has demonstrated resilience by returning to the political arena after defeats.
Rating: 8 (Strong, but recent losses and controversies slightly diminish this score.)

2. Fundraising Potential (0–10):

As a former state senator and congressional candidate, Bracy has established donor networks and name recognition in the Orlando area. His ability to quickly open a campaign account and attract attention to his candidacy suggests solid fundraising potential 2.
However, the ongoing controversy involving his wife’s nonprofit may deter some institutional donors or cautious contributors 4.
Rating: 6 (Good, but the audit controversy could impact high-dollar fundraising.)

3. Name Recognition (0–10):

Bracy’s name is well known in Central Florida politics, bolstered by his family’s long standing community involvement and his own legislative tenure 6 7. The Bracy family is recognized for public service, with both Randolph and his sister, LaVon Bracy Davis, holding or having held office 6 7.
The current high-profile sibling rivalry in the District 15 race further elevates his public profile 7.
Rating: 8 (High, especially within the Democratic base and among local voters.)

SWOT Analysis

Strengths: Extensive legislative experience, Strong local name recognition, Established fundraising networks, Deep family roots in community service

Weaknesses: Recent electoral defeats (2022, 2023), Controversy over campaign signage 3, Negative press from wife’s nonprofit audit 4, Public family conflict with sister 7

Opportunities: Open seat following Thompson’s passing, Mobilizing support from previous campaigns, Media attention from high-profile race,

Threats: Potential voter fatigue with Bracy candidacies, Sibling rivalry could split base 7 , Audit controversy may erode trust 4

Leesburg Grid Assessment

Leesburg grids are used to map candidate strengths and weaknesses against voter priorities. For Bracy:

High Alignment: Experience, legislative record, and community ties resonate with core Democratic voters in District 15.
Potential Mismatch: Voters concerned about ethics or transparency may be swayed by the nonprofit audit controversy and intra-family disputes.

Recent Allegations and Family Dynamics

Nonprofit Audit: Bracy’s wife, Kietta Mayweather Bracy, leads the “From the Heart Charitable Foundation,” which was the subject of a 2024 Orange County Comptroller audit. The audit found the county overpaid the nonprofit by approximately $101,000 for broadband literacy classes, citing inadequate procurement safeguards and inflated pricing 4. While the audit did not allege criminal wrongdoing by Bracy or her organization, the public dispute and Bracy’s refusal to return the funds have generated negative headlines 4. Bracy herself contends the issue is politically motivated due to her husband’s career.

Family Squabble: The Bracy family, long active in Orlando civic life, is now publicly divided. Randolph Bracy and his sister, State Representative LaVon Bracy Davis, are both running for the same Senate seat, leading to a highly publicized and contentious sibling rivalry 6 7. Bracy Davis previously supported Thompson over her brother in the 2024 primary, and Bracy has publicly criticized his sister’s decision to run, framing it as a dishonor to their father’s legacy 7. This dynamic risks splitting their shared support base and may alienate voters looking for unity and stability.

Summary

J & Washington assessed former state Senator Randolph Bracy as a seasoned political figure with strong name recognition, deep community ties, and a proven ability to run competitive campaigns. However, his electability for Florida Senate District 15 is complicated by recent controversies: the audit of his wife’s nonprofit has raised questions about judgment and transparency, while an intense and public family feud with his sister-also a candidate-threatens to divide supporters and distract from policy issues 4 7. Bracy’s campaign experience and established networks give him a solid foundation, but overcoming these recent challenges will require strategic messaging and coalition-building to reassure both donors and voters.

Citations:

Candidate Analysis: Lavon Bracy Davis

In order to run for FL SD 15, LaVon Bracy Davis recently resigned as the Democratic State Representative serving Florida House District 40, based in Orlando. She was first elected in 2022 and was reelected. Bracy Davis holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Howard University and a Juris Doctor from Florida A&M University College of Law. She is a licensed attorney, former senior attorney for the Department of Children and Families and an arts executive with a record of community programming and advocacy for the arts in Central Florida 2 3. Her civic involvement includes board service for the Pace Center for Girls – Orange County and volunteer work with Valencia College’s mentorship program. She was recognized by the Orlando Business Journal as a “40 Under 40” honoree in 2018 2 3.

Legislative Record and Accomplishments

Bracy Davis’s legislative focus has included:

HB 1405 Juvenile Justice: Judiciary Committee and Education & Employment Committee and Reps. Berny Jacques and Lavon Bracy Davis, creates & revises numerous provisions relating to juvenile justice, including provisions relating to early truancy intervention, appointment of counsel, and use of detention.
Education and Youth: Sponsoring bills to expand the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program and create youth conflict resolution and peer mediation programs.
Social Justice: Introducing legislation to prohibit discrimination based on hairstyle in schools and seeking to remove restrictions on temporary cash assistance for those with felony drug convictions.
Community Safety and Health: Proposing the creation of a Community Violence Task Force, and sponsoring bills related to water quality, Medicaid eligibility, and housing.
Labor and Elections: Addressing labor regulations and ensuring election continuity during emergencies 1 3.

Bracy Davis’s legislative record demonstrates a commitment to equity, youth empowerment and social services.

Bracy Family Dynamics and Recent Squabble

The Bracy family is well known in Central Florida for its civic and religious leadership. Their late father, Randolph Bracy Jr., was a prominent pastor and NAACP leader, and their mother, Dr. LaVon Wright Bracy, is a noted civil rights activist 5. The family’s political legacy is significant, with both LaVon Bracy Davis and her brother, former State Senator Randolph Bracy, holding public office.

A recent and public family dispute has emerged as both siblings announced their candidacies for the Florida Senate District 15 seat, vacated by the late Senator Geraldine Thompson. Randolph Bracy publicly criticized his sister’s decision to run, calling it a dishonor to their father’s legacy, while Bracy Davis has emphasized her focus on serving the district rather than engaging in a personal contest 6 7. This intra-family rivalry has drawn significant attention and may impact public perception and campaign dynamics.

Recent Allegations: Audit of Brother’s Wife’s Nonprofit

A recent audit by the Orange County Comptroller found that the county overpaid more than $101,000 to “From the Heart Charitable Foundation,” a nonprofit run by Keta Mayweather Bracy, who is married to Randolph Bracy. The audit determined that the county paid for digital literacy classes at a rate calculated per class rather than per student, resulting in a substantial overpayment. The nonprofit’s leader has denied wrongdoing and characterized the investigation as politically motivated, possibly linked to political rivalries involving the Bracy family. The audit, however, focused on the county’s payment process rather than directly accusing the nonprofit of fraud 4.

While there is no direct evidence implicating LaVon Bracy Davis in this controversy, the proximity of the issue to her immediate family and the ongoing political rivalry with her brother could generate negative headlines and complicate her campaign narrative.

Electability Assessment

Campaign Experience: Bracy Davis has demonstrated political acumen through successful campaigns for the Florida House and has maintained a visible presence in community and civic affairs. Her prior experience as an attorney, arts executive, and advocate adds to her campaign credentials 2 3.

Fundraising Potential: While specific fundraising figures are not provided, Bracy Davis’s established network within the Orlando community, her recognition among civic and business leaders, and endorsements from influential figures (including the family of the late Sen. Geraldine Thompson and local elected officials) suggest strong fundraising capability 6 7.

Name Recognition: The Bracy name is prominent in Central Florida, associated with both religious and political leadership. The high-profile nature of the current family rivalry further boosts public awareness, though it comes with the risk of negative attention 5 6 7.

Ratings (on a 0–10 scale):

Campaign Experience: 8, Well-established, but not at the level of long-term incumbents
Fundraising Potential: 8, Strong network, PAC and endorsements
Name Recognition: 9, Very high due to family legacy and current publicity

SWOT Analysis

Strengths

Deep roots in the community and a strong family legacy of public service.
Proven legislative record on social justice, education and community programs.
High visibility and support from key local leaders and organizations.

Weaknesses

Ongoing family dispute risks distracting from campaign messaging and could alienate some voters.
Proximity to the nonprofit audit controversy, even if not directly involved, may create negative perceptions.

Opportunities

The vacancy in Senate District 15 offers a strategic opening for advancement.
Ability to position herself as a unifying leader focused on district needs, not personal rivalry.
Support from the late Senator Thompson’s family and local Democratic leaders.

Threats

The sibling rivalry could split the Democratic base or depress turnout.
Opponents may exploit the nonprofit audit controversy to question the family’s ethics.
Media focus on family drama rather than policy achievements.

Leesburg Grid Assessment

Viability: High, due to experience, recognition and support.
Vulnerability: Moderate, due to family feud and audit controversy.
Visibility: Very high, both positive and negative.
Values: Strong alignment with district’s Democratic base and community priorities.

Summary

LaVon Bracy Davis is a highly qualified, visible, and experienced candidate for the Democratic Florida Senate District 15 nomination, with deep community ties, establishment support and a serviceable legislative track record 1 2 3. Her campaign is complicated by a very public family rivalry and the recent nonprofit audit involving her brother’s wife, which, while not directly implicating her, could impact voter perceptions 4 6 7. Her strengths in campaign experience, fundraising potential and name recognition position her as a formidable contender, however, she must navigate the risks posed by family dynamics and negative press to maximize her electability.

Citations:

Former Congressman Alan Grayson on Ground Zero Florida

Candidate Analysis: Alan Grayson

Alan Grayson is a former U.S. Congressman from Central Florida, having represented the 8th and later the 9th Congressional Districts from 2009–2011 and 2013–2017, respectively 1 2 10 17. He is a Harvard-educated attorney known for his progressive stances, combative political style, and high-profile legislative advocacy. Grayson is widely recognized in Florida political circles and nationally, both for his legislative record and for his frequent, often provocative media appearances and commentary 13 14 15 19.

Grayson has a history as a perennial candidate, having run unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in 2016, for Congress in 2022, and for the Florida Senate District 25 in 2024 1 3 19. He is among five candidates who entered the special election for Florida Senate District 15 following the death of incumbent Geraldine Thompson 5 11 15 19 20.

1. Campaign Experience (0–10): 10

Grayson’s experience is extensive: multiple terms in Congress, several high-profile campaigns (both successful and unsuccessful), and a long record of national and local media engagement 1 2 10 13 17.
He has run in highly competitive primaries and general elections, demonstrating deep familiarity with campaign strategy, messaging, and voter outreach.

2. Fundraising Potential (0–10): 8

Grayson is renowned for his ability to raise significant sums, particularly from small-dollar donors. In the 2013–14 cycle, he led the House in the percentage of campaign funds raised from small contributions (57% of $3.1 million) 9 18.
However, recent campaigns have seen diminished fundraising success and cash on hand, as evidenced by his withdrawal from the 2024 U.S. Senate race due to insufficient resources to compete statewide 3.
His polarizing persona and past controversies have at times led to the loss of key endorsements and consultants, which can hamper fundraising capacity 14.

3. Name Recognition (0–10): 9

Grayson’s name is among the most recognized in Central Florida Democratic politics, a fact he himself emphasizes as a core advantage 13.
His national media presence, outspoken style, and repeated candidacies have made him a household name among Democratic primary voters, though this recognition is often polarizing.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths

Extensive campaign and legislative experience 1 2 10
Strong name recognition and media savvy 13 15
Proven ability to mobilize small-dollar donors 9 18
Legislative record on progressive causes (healthcare, environment, social justice) 10

Weaknesses

Perennial candidate, seen as unable to win higher office in recent cycles 1 3 19
History of controversies (domestic abuse allegations, ethics investigations, combative style)
Polarizing reputation may depress support among moderates and party establishment 13 14 15
Recent fundraising and organizational challenges; loss of key endorsements in past cycles 3 14

Opportunities

Open seat in a heavily Democratic district, with no incumbent 5 11 20
Potential to consolidate progressive and anti-establishment votes 15 19
Ability to stand out in a crowded field due to profile and experience 13 15

Threats

Strong primary field: State Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis and ex-State Sen. Randolph Bracy have deep local roots and family networks 15 16 20
Ongoing negative perceptions from past controversies and campaign implosions 14
Competition from well-funded or self-funded candidates; Anthony-Smith’s net worth and ability to self-fund 20

Leesburg Grid Assessment

Candidate: Alan Grayson District: Florida Senate District 15 Election: Special Election, 2025

Legal and Legislative Record

Legislative Accomplishments: Grayson is known for introducing a high volume of bills and amendments. While few of his sponsored bills became law as stand-alone measures, many provisions he championed were incorporated into larger legislative packages, especially tax credits and consumer protections 7 10. He was also a leader in amendments, topping the House in passed amendments during his tenure, though many were non-controversial and few made it into final law 7.
Policy Focus: Healthcare reform, economic stimulus, social justice, environmental protection, and anti-corruption measures 10.
Controversies: Grayson has faced allegations of domestic abuse (which he denies), ethics investigations related to his hedge fund, and public disputes with party leaders and consultants. These have led to the loss of endorsements and campaign support in the past 14.
Recent Legal Case: Grayson recently lost a defamation lawsuit and was ordered to pay partial attorney’s fees, though this is not a criminal matter and does not bar him from office 8.

High-Profile Opponents

LaVon Bracy Davis: Recently resigned to run State Representative, attorney, and sister of former State Senator Randolph Bracy. Holds the advantage of incumbency, establishment support and strong local family ties 15 16 20.
Randolph Bracy: Former State Senator with deep roots in the district and prior service in the seat 15 16 20.
Coretta Anthony-Smith: Attorney, political newcomer, reportedly wealthy and demonstrated ability to self-fund 20.
Willie Montague: Republican, however the district is heavily Democratic, making the primary the decisive contest 20.

Electability Summary:

Campaign Experience: 10
Fundraising Potential: 8
Name Recognition: 9

Alan Grayson is a nationally recognized, progressive former Congressman with a long and colorful history in Florida and national politics. He is known for his legislative activism, aggressive rhetoric, and ability to mobilize grassroots donors. However, his repeated losses in recent high-profile races, polarizing persona, and history of controversy present significant challenges. In the crowded and competitive Democratic primary for Senate District 15, Grayson’s strengths-experience, name recognition, and fundraising prowess-are offset by his weaknesses: a reputation for divisiveness, past allegations, and a lack of deep local embeddedness compared to the Bracy siblings.

Summary

Grayson will always be a formidable candidate, however, he is no longer the clear favorite in a field with strong, locally connected opponents. His path to victory depends on consolidating the progressive base, overcoming skepticism from party leaders and moderates, and leveraging his national profile to outpace rivals in a short, high-intensity special election cycle 1 13 15 19 20. Learn more about former Congressman Alan Grayson in our exclusive Ground Zero Florida interview on the J & Washington Network.

Citations:

Article originally posted May 25, 2025, The Informer Newsletter

David Washington is the Political Manager of The Orlando Voice and CEO of J & Washington LLC, a political consulting firm specializing in campaign management and public affairs. Join the T8020 Community and discover how tokenized civic engagement is reshaping political participation. Learn more about The Orlando Voice and the T8020 token at T8020Orlando.com.

2 responses to “The Orlando Voice Voter Guide: 2025 FL SD 15 Special Election – Democratic Candidates”

Trevor Honohan

June 21, 2025

David, thank you for this breakdown. As the political seasons approach, I look forward to honest and transparent information reported vis The Orlando Voice. This is the way!
1. David Washington
  
  June 21, 2025
  
  Thank you, Trevor, for your comment. In politics, there is nuance. I hope to bring more of the story behind the story so that people can have the right information at the right time.

The Orlando Voice Voter Guide: 2025 FL SD 15 Special Election – Democratic Candidates

Candidate Analysis: Coretta Anthony-Smith

Electability Assessment

1. Campaign Experience (Scale: 0–10)

2. Fundraising Potential (Scale: 0–10)

3. Name Recognition (Scale: 0–10)

SWOT Analysis

Leesburg Grid Assessment

Legal and Legislative Record

Comparison to High-Profile Opponents

Summary

Citations:

Candidate Analysis: Randolph Bracy

Electability Assessment

SWOT Analysis

Leesburg Grid Assessment

Recent Allegations and Family Dynamics

Summary

Citations:

Candidate Analysis: Lavon Bracy Davis

Electability Assessment

SWOT Analysis

Leesburg Grid Assessment

Summary

Citations:

Candidate Analysis: Alan Grayson

1. Campaign Experience (0–10): 10

2. Fundraising Potential (0–10): 8

3. Name Recognition (0–10): 9

SWOT Analysis

Leesburg Grid Assessment

Legal and Legislative Record

High-Profile Opponents

Summary

Citations:

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2 responses to “The Orlando Voice Voter Guide: 2025 FL SD 15 Special Election – Democratic Candidates”