MEET THE CANDIDATES: Coretta Anthony-Smith, Florida Senate District 15

Age: 54

Residence: Gotha

Family: Husband, one biological son and two step-daughters

Education: B.S. in Marketing at Georgetown University, J.D. at the University of Florida

Profession: Attorney

Qualifications: Over 25 years of schooling and legal experience as a lawyer.Member of the Florida Board of Bar Examiners as a grader of Bar exams, and as a question drafter. President of the Central Florida Trial Lawyers Association and member of the Florida Justice Association. Member of the Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration. Former Member of the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure Committee and Small Claims Rules Committee. 

Why are you running for Florida State Senate District 15?

As an experienced trial attorney, I’ve seen firsthand how issues like rising insurance costs, claim denials, unaffordable housing, underfunded schools and limited health care access hurt working families across our district. I’m stepping up to bring real solutions to the table — ones that prioritize community issues and that focus on accountability, transparency and expand economic opportunities. We deserve a government that serves all of us. I’m running to be a voice for those who feel unheard and to make sure every family in District 15 has a fair shot at success. Our district deserves a leader who will fight for them—not just talk about change, but deliver it.

Discuss your past experiences and explain how they make you the most qualified candidate for this position.

I’m a fighter. When I was 7 years old my mother was hit and killed by a drunk driver. At the age of 16, my father was taken from me due to cancer. With the odds against me, I was determined to become the fighter they taught me to be. I fought for myself to succeed against the odds, and I fight for others who often cannot fight for themselves. After working for insurance companies

early in my career, I’ve taken those skills and put them to use for my clients, and when I am elected, I will put my skills to use to fight for my constituents. Moreover, I have to advocate for my clients every day. I am skilled in the art of persuasion and advocacy. I will use the same tools to make sure that legislation, for the good of District 15, is heard and is passed.

Discuss Geraldine Thompson’s legacy as a public servant in Central Florida.

Sen. Geraldine Thompson’s legacy as a public servant in Central Florida is one of unwavering dedication to justice, education and cultural preservation. As a trailblazer in the Florida Legislature and a champion for civil rights, she fought fiercely for the voiceless—from exonerating the Groveland Four to protecting pregnant workers and preserving Black history through institutions like the Wells’ Built Museum. Her decades of service as an educator, legislator and community advocate opened doors for countless others, especially women and young people of color. I am proud to carry forward her mission of opportunity, equity and dignity for all, if voters choose to give me the chance to advocate for them.

What are the values and morals that have guided your life, and how will you use them as District 15 senator?

I learned early on the importance of perseverance, resilience and standing up for yourself —especially when no one else will. These experiences shaped my core values of compassion, integrity and justice, which have guided me throughout my personal and professional life. As a trial attorney and now as a candidate for the Florida Senate, I carry those lessons with me every day. I will use them to fight for working families, protect our most vulnerable communities and ensure every voice is heard and valued in Tallahassee.

What are the key differences between you and your opponents?

As the only non-career politician in this race, I bring a fresh perspective and a real-world understanding of the challenges every day Floridians face. I’m not just an attorney, I’m also a community advocate. That experience has prepared me to fight for working families—not political insiders. Unlike my opponents who have spent years in the political system, I’m not tied to the status quo. I believe it’s time for bold, new leadership with fresh ideas to tackle the rising cost of living, housing instability and public safety concerns. I’m running to be a voice for the people—not for politics as usual.

What are the three most pressing issues facing District 15 today?

Because I live in the district I see the most pressing issues. But I don’t just focus on what I see, I listen to what residents say. From those conversations, I hear the three most pressing issues being the lack of affordable workforce housing, the need to strengthen public safety and the ongoing property insurance crisis. Too many working families are being priced out of the neighborhoods they help sustain, and we need real solutions to increase access to safe, attainable housing. At the same time, ensuring our communities feel safe—through smart investments in community-based public safety and violence prevention—is critical. And we must urgently address skyrocketing property insurance rates, which are crushing homeowners and threatening financial stability for so many. These are not abstract issues; they affect our neighbors every day, and I’m committed to fighting for meaningful change that residents can measure.

This district covers a large area in Central Florida with unique needs and challenges. How do you represent the needs of all District 15 constituents?

I will be a strong, present and accessible advocate for every corner of our diverse district. I understand that each part of District 15 faces unique challenges, whether it’s flooding and infrastructure needs, skyrocketing property insurance rates, affordable housing shortages, or underfunded schools. I will fight for equitable solutions that reflect the voices of all our residents, not just the well-connected. My campaign is rooted in listening, showing up and building coalitions so that no one is left behind because representation means more than casting a vote in Tallahassee; it means delivering results at home.

Share how you plan to work with Gov. Ron DeSantis and your Republican colleagues across the aisle for the benefit of all Floridians.

I’ve built a career on listening, finding common ground and delivering results—even when parties strongly disagree. Every day in courtrooms and mediations, I work toward solutions that serve the interests of all sides, and I’ll bring that same spirit to Tallahassee. While I may not always agree with Gov. DeSantis or my Republican colleagues, I believe in respectful dialogue and collaboration when it comes to the well-being of Floridians. I’ll focus on the issues that matter—like affordable housing, public safety and property insurance—and will work with anyone, regardless of party, who’s committed to improving the lives of the people in District 15 and across our state.

How will you work with local county and city governments to ensure their voices are being heard at the state level?

I will prioritize strong collaboration with our local county and city governments to ensure their needs are not just heard—but acted upon—at the state level. That means maintaining open lines of communication, regularly meeting with local leaders and advocating for legislation and funding that reflect the unique priorities of our communities, from infrastructure and housing to emergency services and economic development. Local governments are on the front lines of service delivery, and I will be a reliable partner who listens, responds and fights for their ability to serve our residents effectively.