Candidate Q&A: Randolph Bracy, U.S. Rep. District 10 (DEM)

Editor's note: Candidates responses have not been edited for grammar and are presented as received.

RANDOLPH BRACY

BIO INFO

Age: 45

City/town of residence: Orlando, Florida

Family: Daughters: London Bracy and Brooklyn Bracy, Parents: Rev. Randolph Bracy, Jr and LaVon Wright Bracy 

Education: The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia (B.A., 1999), The University of Central Florida, Sports Administration (M. A., 2004), The University of Central Florida, Business Administration (MBA, 2004)

Qualifications:

• Served four years in Florida House representing District 44 (2012-2016)
• Severed six years in Florida State Senate representing District 11 (2016-2022)

U.S. REP DISTRICT 10 Q&A (DEM)

What are the key differences between you and your opponents?

I am the only candidate currently serving as an elected official. I am aware of the challenges facing this county politically as we struggle to create an environment where diverse voices can come together for the common good. Collaborating across party lines is the only way to ensure progressive success. This premise allowed me to successfully pass legislation during my tenure in Tallahassee and I will take these same principals to the U. S. Congress.

What are the values and morals that have guided your life, and how will use them as District 10 representative?

I am the son of a Baptist pastor, and I learned at an early age the values of faith, family and service. My parents are the founders of the New Covenant Baptist Church of Orlando. I saw them work for over 30 years to improve the lives of central Floridians. My mother’s impact is well known throughout Florida. She was the first African American to graduate from Gainesville High School in the mid-sixties. I have witnessed first-hand and I have been taught the importance of serving others. These are the values I will continue to embrace as your Congressman from District 10.

As District 10 representative, describe how you will work across the aisle.

I have served in the minority party as a legislator for the past 10 years. I was able to get more Bills passed than any other democratic legislator during my tenure because I built relationships and worked across the aisle to get things done. I have the experience and know how to get the same results as Congressman for District 10.

Describe the state of our nation’s economy and what steps need to be taken to improve it.

The economy can best be described as being “influx”, but leaning toward positive improvements. Most recently, we have seen job growth, lower gas prices and some tempering of inflation. However, bread and butter recovery signs as we monitor our out of pocket expenses still seem sluggish. We are yet to feel economic relief around the kitchen table. Some steps which may improve the situation should include: affordability for housing and access to home ownership, increase in job opportunities, raising the minimum wage, and greater educational training opportunities to enumerate a few.

Define “recession.”

Simply stated, there is a decrease in spending that last more than a few months. This precipitates a loss of confidence in economic projections and further depression is felt throughout the economy.

What is your evaluation of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision. 

I firmly believe the Dobbs Decision heralding the reversal of Roe v Wade is a setback for women health and reproductive health initiatives. This decision will surely effect families and the lives of many women moving forward. I am pro-choice, and if elected, I will continue to be supportive of a women’s right to choose. Abortion issues cannot become another wedge to divide us as Americans.  

Describe the state of our education system and what steps need to be taken to improve it.

I am a champion and supporter of the Florida public school system. I am a graduate of The Dr. Phillips High School here in Orlando. 

Over my ten years as a legislator, I have watched funding decision which have compromised the public-school system. Funds have been limited and many cases reallocated to non-public sectors.  Many private schools have been funded with tax payer dollars but have not been held to the same standards required for public schools and our children have suffered due to this lack of accountability. Low teacher salary has affected our ability to recruit talented educators. As a legislator, I will continue to seek solutions to fortify and raise the standards of and expectation for our public-school system. 

What is the cause of division in the United States, and how can we improve it? 

Economic disparity is the cornerstone of division in this country, and economic disparity is the outcome of institutional racism. Racism has been pervasive in every aspect of our society, from access to employment, to educational opportunities, to health inequities to judicial fairness. We must be able to boldly articulate these concerns if we are to make lasting reforms which guarantees that all Americans be equal stakeholders. 

What is your position on the United States’ involvement in Ukraine?

I support our nation’s position as a counterbalance to Russian aggression in Ukraine. We can not stand idly by and not assist Ukrainians. Supplying weapons and strategic support is preferable to boots on the ground. Every effort must be made to de-escalate the prospect of an expanding war.