MEET THE CANDIDATES: LaVon Bracy Davis, Florida Senate District 15

Age: 45

Residence: Ocoee

Family: Daughter of the late Rev. Randolph Bracy and LaVon Wright Bracy. Married to the Rev. Adrian R. Davis.

Profession: Attorney/Lawmaker/ Arts Executive

Education: BFA - Theater - Howard University. JD - FAMU Law - inaugural class

Why are you running for Florida State Senate District 15?

I’m running to serve the people of Senate District 15, because their needs, voices and concerns deserve to be heard at the highest levels. Just as I’ve done in House District 40, I lead with empathy, legislate with purpose and fight for real results. The people of this district deserve a senator who is present, accessible and accountable. I’m ready to continue doing the work, because our communities can’t afford anything less.

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

As the daughter and granddaughter of ministers, service is in my DNA. I grew up watching my parents organize and advocate right here in this community. Lessons that shaped the core of who I am. With a background in theater arts, a career as a licensed attorney and years of spearheading community-based arts programming, I bring a unique blend of creativity, legal knowledge and grassroots experience to my public service.

But most importantly, I’m already doing the work. As the State Representative for House District 40, I have fought for resources, passed legislation and remained deeply accessible to my constituents. I legislate with compassion and intentionality, always through the lens of the people I serve.

I’m not running to learn how to serve. I’m running to continue serving. Senate District 15 deserves someone who knows the community, understands the system and isn’t afraid to fight for what’s right. I am that person, and I’m ready to deliver.

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

Sen. Geraldine Thompson left an indelible legacy, a legacy rooted in the preservation of Black history, the pursuit of justice and the relentless fight for opportunity and equity in Central Florida. She didn’t just celebrate history; she made it. From founding the Wells’ Built Museum to championing legislation that opened doors for the underserved, Sen. Thompson was a trailblazer who led with conviction and compassion.

I had the honor of working alongside her in the legislature, where we passed bills together and co-sponsored initiatives grounded in equity and empowerment. One of our proudest efforts was the Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Voting Rights Act, legislation I will continue to file every session until it becomes law. I do this not just because it’s necessary, but because it’s a continuation of the work we started together.

I am deeply grateful for the endorsement and support of Sen. Thompson’s family. Their trust means everything to me, and it strengthens my resolve to carry forward her vision. The people of Senate District 15 deserve a leader who will not only honor her legacy but expand upon it, someone who will continue to lift, build and deliver for the community she loved so dearly.

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

Integrity has been the foundation of my life and my leadership. It’s not just a word I use, it’s a standard I live by. I believe that how we treat people, especially when it’s hard, reveals who we truly are. I cannot claim to serve the people if I only show kindness or respect to those I agree with. My commitment to serve extends to everyone, regardless of party, gender, income, orientation or background, because every Floridian deserves to live in a state where health, safety and opportunity are not luxuries but rights.

That’s why in this race, I’ve chosen to stay above the fray. When they go low, I go high. I will not participate in slander or mean-spirited mailers. Our community deserves leadership grounded in honesty, decency and purpose, not politics as usual.

As senator for District 15, I will continue to lead with moral clarity and compassion, lifting as I climb and never compromising the values that brought me to this work in the first place.

What are the key differences between you and your opponents?

I’m the only candidate in this race who is currently doing the work in Tallahassee. I’m not running on what I did a decade ago or making promises disconnected from today’s political reality. I’m navigating the Republican supermajority right now and delivering results in spite of it.

Tallahassee is a different battlefield today, and it requires a leader who understands the terrain. We don’t have time for nostalgia or hypotheticals. We need strategy, grit and a clear offensive game plan. That’s what I bring to the table.

While others may talk about what they’ve done in the past or what they hope to do, I’m focused on what our residents need right now, and I have the receipts to show I can deliver.

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

Affordability – Families across District 15 are struggling to keep up with rising housing costs, skyrocketing property insurance and stagnant wages. Even dual-income households are feeling the squeeze. We need bold policies that prioritize working families, expand affordable housing and protect homeowners from predatory rate hikes.

Public education – Our public schools are under attack. From defunding to politicizing curriculum, Tallahassee is threatening vital programs like Head Start and undermining the future of our children. We must invest in public education, support our teachers and protect every child’s right to learn in a safe, inclusive and well-resourced environment.

Access to health care – Too many residents in our district are uninsured, underinsured, or going without critical care due to cost or lack of access. From expanding Medicaid to increasing support for mental health services and maternal care, we need to bring health equity to the forefront because no one should have to choose between their health and their paycheck.

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 already do. Over 35% of House District 40 falls within Senate District 15, and I’ve been showing up, listening and delivering for those communities since day one. From Pine Hills to Paramore, from Winter Garden to Eatonville, I’ve built strong relationships with local leaders, families and organizations across the district. I know the challenges they face because I’ve been walking alongside them passing legislation, securing funding and showing up when it counts.

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 already proven I can work across the aisle by building strong, respectful relationships with my Republican colleagues and by delivering real results, even as a member of the super minority. I’ve passed five bills in the Florida House, all of which were signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis. That’s not by chance. It’s because I know how to find common ground without compromising my values.

In a supermajority environment, progress requires collaboration, not confrontation. I stay focused on solutions that uplift our communities and improve lives across the board. Whether it’s securing funding, supporting bipartisan initiatives or advocating for the underserved, I approach every conversation with one goal: to get things done for the people I serve.

Because at the end of the day, Floridians don’t care about party lines they care about results. And I know how to deliver them.

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

Collaboration starts with communication and I make it a priority to stay accessible and responsive to local leaders. I regularly host town halls, attend community meetings and maintain open lines of communication with city and county officials. As a legislator, I understand that the best solutions come when we work with our local partners, not around them; I have proven this. I got an appropriation for Orange County in the budget and I passed a bill for the City of Orlando.

In Senate District 15, I will continue to build new relationships while strengthening the ones I’ve already formed as a state representative. I will continue to be a bridge between the state and local governments making sure Orange County’s needs aren’t just heard in Tallahassee but fought for.

Because when we collaborate, we deliver better results for the people we all serve.