The Orlando Voice provides its political analysis of the Democratic candidates for the Tuesday, June 24, 2025 Special Election. The Orlando Voice examines the HD 40 Democratic candidates who qualified to compete: former State Representative Travaris McCurdy and Representative Lavon Bracy Davis’s Chief of Staff RaShon Young. The special Democratic primary election is scheduled for Tuesday, June 24, 2025. The winner of the Democratic primary will face Republican Tuan Le and Write In Candidate Christopher Hall, in the special general election on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
Candidate Assessment: Travaris McCurdy
Travaris McCurdy’s journey as a candidate has evolved notably over the years, reflecting both personal growth and the shifting political landscape. In his earlier campaigns-most notably his successful bid for the Florida House in 2020 and his subsequent runs for re-election and city council- McCurdy positioned himself as a champion of progressive values. He emphasized his experience as a legislative aide, his connection with young voters, and his commitment to issues like criminal justice reform, education, and affordable housing. His messaging leaned heavily on his youth, his energy, and his background working alongside established lawmakers.
However, after serving a term in the Florida House and facing defeats in both a Democratic primary and a city council race, McCurdy’s approach has matured. In his current campaign for the Florida House District 40 special election, he is presenting himself not just as a progressive advocate, but as a husband and father whose priorities have deepened and shifted. He now frames his candidacy around family values, personal responsibility, and a renewed commitment to the community. McCurdy openly discusses how marriage and fatherhood have changed his perspective, making him more attuned to the everyday concerns of working families and seniors in his district.
Policy-wise, while he still addresses issues like juvenile justice reform and education, McCurdy is now placing greater emphasis on the bread-and-butter issues that resonate with a broader swath of voters-housing affordability, lowering insurance costs, and supporting families and seniors. He draws on his legislative record, highlighting tangible accomplishments such as securing funding for youth recidivism programs, and stresses his desire to “finish the work” he started in his previous term.
Another key difference is the context in which he’s running. Previously, McCurdy campaigned in House District 46 and for Orlando City Council District 5. Now, after moving to a new neighborhood following his marriage, he’s running in House District 40. He’s careful to underscore his deep local roots and his ongoing engagement with the community, seeking to reassure voters that he understands their needs and is committed to serving them.
Beyond electoral setbacks, McCurdy has faced a number of controversies. He has been accused of misrepresenting his educational background and arrest history on job applications, including a position with the City of Orlando. Legal troubles have also surfaced, such as a gun arrest and reported probation for a failed drug test at his airport job, as well as allegations of misrepresenting his income on legal forms. Police records have brought further scrutiny, including an allegation of breaking into a woman’s home and accusations of theft from a mentor, though these claims have not been widely investigated or substantiated in the media.
Critics contend that McCurdy has benefited from a lack of thorough media scrutiny, with some calling for his withdrawal from races and urging supporters to reconsider their endorsements in light of public records disclosures. Collectively, his history of electoral losses, legal issues, and questions about his integrity have led some to doubt his reliability and fitness for public office, presenting significant hurdles as he seeks to return to the Florida House.
Finally, McCurdy’s tone this time around is one of resilience and reflection. He doesn’t shy away from his electoral setbacks; instead, he frames them as learning experiences that have prepared him to serve more effectively. In a crowded and competitive primary, he leverages his legislative experience and his personal growth to distinguish himself from opponents, particularly those with strong insider ties or institutional endorsements.
Quantitative Electability Ratings
- Campaign Experience: 8/10
- Fundraising Potential: 6/10
- Name Recognition: 8/10
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Legislative record: Secured $950K for youth recidivism programs, co-sponsored bills supporting firefighters and early education 11.
- District ties: Born and raised in Orlando; emphasizes family-oriented messaging post-marriage 15.
- Protest advocacy: High-profile opposition to GOP redistricting efforts 12.
Weaknesses
- Controversies: Alleged dishonesty on job applications, probation at airport job, and gun arrest 4.
Opportunities
- Housing/insurance focus: Aligns with district priorities (e.g., rising costs, Citizens Insurance reform) 511.
- Special election dynamics: Accelerated timeline favors experienced candidates 16.
Threats
- Strong opponent: RaShon Young (endorsed by Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis) leverages Gen-Z appeal and insider ties 569.
- Legal vulnerabilities: Opponents may weaponize past controversies 4.
Leesburg Grid Analysis
Strengths (Self)
McCurdy’s Messaging
Opponent’s Likely Messaging
Strengths (Self)
Experienced legislator; local roots 111
Young: “Next-gen leader” 59
Weaknesses (Opponent)
Young: Legislative aide, not elected 56
McCurdy: “Unreliable due to past losses”4
Weaknesses (Self)
Address controversies preemptively 4
Strengths (Opponent)
Young: Bracy Davis’ endorsement 59
Le: Aerospace engineer outsider 68
Key Opponents
- RaShon Young (D): Bracy Davis’ former Chief of Staff, emphasizes voting rights and Gen-Z engagement 569.
- Tuan Le (R): Aerospace engineer; faces uphill battle in a Democratic-leaning district 68.
Conclusion
In summary, Travaris McCurdy’s current campaign is marked by a more mature, family-oriented narrative, a sharper focus on practical issues facing his district, and a willingness to draw on both his successes and failures as evidence of his readiness to lead.
McCurdy’s experience and local ties position him as a viable contender, however vulnerabilities (electoral losses, legal issues) 4 and Young’s institutional support 59 complicate his path. Success hinges on mobilizing base voters with housing/insurance messaging 11 while neutralizing controversies through proactive framing.
Citations:
- https://floridapolitics.com/archives/734971-travaris-mccurdy-seeks-a-return-to-house-in-hd-40-special-election/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travaris_McCurdy
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- https://www.flchamber.com/political/2020-florida-house-candidates/
- https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2024/06/05/news-6-finds-discrepancy-in-orlando-city-council-candidate-travaris-mccurdys-education/
- https://www.legistorm.com/person/bio/386192/Travaris_L_McCurdy.html
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- https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2024/06/18/orlando-district-5-candidate-travaris-mccurdy-accuses-opponent-shan-rose-of-trying-to-extort-him/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnFJ0BaXm7c
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- https://cce.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/cce/cce_awards.pl?projType=project&progID=1&projID=3312
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- https://ballotpedia.org/RaShon_Young
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Candidate Assessment: RaShon Young
In this special election, the landscape is shaped by experience, community roots, and the ability to build coalitions-qualities that separate contenders from pretenders.
RaShon Young is no stranger to the inner workings of Tallahassee. As Chief of Staff to State Representative LaVon Bracy Davis, he’s spent years not just observing, but actively shaping policy, drafting bills, and managing the day-to-day demands of a legislative office. He’s got a hand in the Harry T. and Harriett V. Moore Florida Voting Rights Act, and he’s been a visible advocate for affordable housing, public education, and food security. RaShon’s campaign is buoyed by the full-throated endorsement of Bracy Davis herself, along with support from progressive leaders like firebrand Rep. Anna Eskamani and Orange County Commissioner Mike Scott. He’s young, just 26, however, his resume is dense with real-world political experience and a clear vision for the district. He’s running as the torchbearer for Bracy Davis’s legacy, and he’s got the establishment’s backing to prove it.
RaShon Young is the candidate of continuity and coalition, deeply embedded in the district’s political fabric and backed by key players. Travaris McCurdy is the candidate of experience and resilience, counting on his legislative record and community roots to carry him through. Tuan Le, meanwhile, is the outsider, hoping to break through with a fresh perspective but facing significant structural obstacles.
Electability Metrics
1. Campaign Experience: 8/10
- Served as Chief of Staff to Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis for 3+ years, drafting bills, negotiating legislation, and managing district events 258.
- Worked on Bracy Davis’ 2022 campaign (64% Primary win) and Randolph Bracy’s 2022 congressional bid 25.
- Limited experience as a candidate (first run), but deeply embedded in campaign strategy and legislative processes 89.
2. Fundraising Potential: 8/10
- Backed by Bracy Davis and establishment Democrats (e.g., Rep. Anna Eskamani, Commissioner Mike Scott) 6.
- No self-funding disclosed, but high-profile endorsements suggest strong donor-network access 69.
- Opponent Travaris McCurdy (former state Rep.) may split traditional Democratic funding streams 58.
3. Name Recognition: 8/10
- Closely tied to Bracy Davis’ legacy; endorsed as her chosen successor 269.
- Active in HD 40 community events and policy advocacy, but less visibility than McCurdy (a former legislator) 58.
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Legislative Insider: Deep understanding of Tallahassee dynamics and bipartisan relationship-building 89.
- Progressive Policy Focus: Prioritizes voting rights (Harry T. Moore Act), affordable housing, and public education 56.
- Endorsement Momentum: Unified support from local Democrats and incumbents 69.
Weaknesses
- First-Time Candidate: Untested in direct voter appeals vs. McCurdy’s electoral experience 58.
- Youth: At 26, may face scrutiny over experience despite legislative background 69.
Opportunities
- HD 40 Demographics: District voted 67% for Harris in 2024; low GOP leverage 28.
- Coattail Effect: Bracy Davis’ concurrent Senate campaign could drive Democratic turnout 34.
Threats
- Primary Competition: McCurdy’s record as former Rep. and ties to Geraldine Thompson 58.
- Low Turnout Risk: Special elections often favor organized bases over new candidates 8.
Leesburg Grid Priorities
High Priority
Endorsements
Policy Differentiation
Bipartisan Credibility
Moderate Priority
Fundraising Efficiency
Voter Mobilization
Bipartisan Credibility
Youth Engagement
Legislative Record & Accomplishments
- Co-drafted Bracy Davis’ Harry T. Moore Florida Voting Rights Act (expanding voter access)56.
- Secured appropriations for community programs in education and housing69.
- No direct legal record; positioned as a “continuation” of Bracy Davis’ progressive agenda 68.
Strategic Recommendations
- Leverage Endorsements: Highlight Bracy Davis’ mentorship and Eskamani/Scott backing in messaging 69.
- Emphasize Insider Expertise: Frame legislative experience as an asset in a GOP-dominated House 89.
- Target Low-Propensity Voters: Mobilize Gen Z/minority voters with housing/education platforms 56.
Key Risk: McCurdy’s established network in Pine Hills/Ocoee 58. Mitigate via localized grassroots outreach.
In the end, District 40’s next representative will likely be someone who can combine legislative know-how with authentic community engagement. RaShon Young and Travaris McCurdy both bring strengths to the table, however, their paths to victory-and the coalitions they’ll need to build-are distinct.
Citations:
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Article originally posted May 12, 2025, The Informer Newsletter
David Washington is The Orlando Voice’s Political Manager/Editor 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.