Coretta Anthony-Smith
By Reggie Connell, Managing Editor
Welcome to the Florida Senate District 15 special election. In most campaigns, candidates dig in deep, anticipating a marathon of political twists and turns over the course of months until, ultimately, many moons down the trail, election day takes center stage.
That's not the case in SD-15.
With a June 24th primary date likely to determine the winner of this election, a savvy candidate would be wise to treat this as a 50-yard dash, pouring all their time, effort, and campaign treasure into a full-court press of voters right up until an election day that is very much fast approaching.
And while Coretta Anthony-Smith may not be a household name in Orange County politics, she has her running shoes on and is sprinting to the finish line.
Anthony-Smith doesn't have a long resume of election wins and losses like some of her opponents. When she decided to run in the special Florida Senate District 15 election, it wasn't because she aspired to become a politician. She's quick to point out that she isn't one.
What she is, however, is a seasoned trial lawyer, a mother, a fierce advocate, and someone tired of watching from the sidelines as issues affecting everyday Floridians fall through the cracks.
"I want to be in the legislature to help effectuate change," she said. "For years, I've traveled to Tallahassee, testified at committee hearings, and advocated for clients—but always as a layperson. Now I want to represent the people who don't have a voice in the room."
Anthony-Smith is one of four Democrats competing to fill the vacant seat of iconic Senator Geraldine Thompson, who died in February. The primary election is June 24th, and voters in District 15 (which includes parts of Orange County, including Apopka) will soon decide who should do the work in Tallahassee.
The primary winner will advance to face Republican Willie Montague in the September 2nd General Election. Montague was the only member of his party to qualify. The seat leans heavily Democratic. Thompson faced no General Election opposition in 2024, while 61% of voters in SD-15 voted for Democrat Kamala Harris for President.
From courtroom to Capitol
Anthony-Smith has spent 25 years in the courtroom, advocating for people facing some of the most challenging moments of their lives. She believes that experience sets her apart in this race.
"I've had to negotiate, advocate, and fight for real people—not from behind a desk, but face-to-face," she said. "I've heard their pain, their frustrations, and their hopes. And I believe the legislature is missing that kind of grounded, people-centered voice."
She's quick to clarify that while she respects her Democratic opponents—including former State Senator Randolph Bracy, former US Congressman Alan Grayson, and outgoing State Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis—she believes her independence from political machines and fundraising networks gives her a unique advantage.
"I'm not a mouthpiece for any organization," she said. "I'm not beholden to big donors. My loyalty is to the people—period."
Prioritizing accountability, especially on the insurance industry
One of the issues Anthony-Smith is most passionate about is holding insurance companies accountable—a topic that has hit home for many Floridians as premiums skyrocket.
"Whether you're a Democrat, Republican, or NPA, insurance affects us all," she said. "Insurance companies told the legislature that fraud was driving up rates. Laws were passed to 'fix' that. Then we found out they were manipulating their profits all along. And now? Nothing's being done."
She's frustrated by what she sees as a lack of follow-through from lawmakers and a media landscape that lets major stories fade too quickly. Her plan? Keep the insurance industry in the public eye.
"We need to hold town halls, talk to the press, and call out the inaction. If the legislature won't act, then the people must be reminded every day that they were lied to—and who let it happen."
Fighting for fair education funding
Public education is another priority. Anthony-Smith believes Florida is shortchanging its traditional public schools in favor of private and charter institutions that don't follow the same rules.
"If taxpayer dollars are funding private schools, then those schools should be held to the same standards as public ones," she said. "We can't have for-profit schools taking our money without accountability. We need to make sure public schools remain strong and accessible. Every child deserves a fair shot—not just the ones who can win a lottery or afford tuition."
Rethinking and redefining affordable housing
Affordable housing is a phrase politicians love to say, but rarely define. For her, it means more than just cheaper rent. It means planning.
"You can't just throw up apartments and say you fixed the housing crisis," she said. "You need infrastructure—roads, broadband, public services—to support growth."
She wants to work with local governments and community leaders to identify what areas genuinely need, rather than rushing legislation to say something got done.
"This isn't a one-session fix," she added. "But we have to start being honest about the problem and strategic about the solution."
Public safety through community trust
On her website, Anthony-Smith lists public safety as one of her core issues. However, she doesn't talk about adding more police. Instead, she wants to build trust, especially among youth and underserved communities.
"We have a culture of fear. People see a shooting, and they don't want to speak up. They're scared of the police, of retaliation, of being labeled," she said. "We need programs that allow people to come forward anonymously. We need to rebuild that trust."
She believes the key lies in community-based partnerships, better communication, and more neighborhood engagement, not just as a response to crime but also as a preventative measure.
"It can't just be law enforcement reacting after the fact. We have to work together before something happens."
Running for the right reasons
In a crowded field like SD-15, Anthony-Smith acknowledges that many voters may be more familiar with candidates who have past political experience. Name recognition could affect the outcome, considering the primary is just 38 days away.
But she argues that being politically seasoned isn't the same as being effective.
"I didn't run for this seat to leapfrog to another office. I'm running because I believe our democracy is being eroded, and too many people are asleep at the wheel," she said. "We need someone who isn't afraid to ask hard questions, to call out bad laws—no matter who passes them."
She also criticizes the lack of transparency from elected officials when significant legislation is on the table.
"Where were the community meetings? Where were the alerts? People didn't know their rights were being eroded, and that's unacceptable."
A Campaign Rooted in People
Ultimately, Anthony-Smith's campaign is rooted in the belief that leadership means listening and acting.
"I've sat across from people in their worst moments. I've heard what they need. And now I want to bring that voice to Tallahassee," she said.
It remains to be seen whether she can break through in a shortened campaign, but high-profile special election. But one thing is clear: Coretta Anthony-Smith isn't afraid to challenge the system—and she's not waiting for permission to speak up.
For more information on Anthony-Smith, visit her campaign website.
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The primary for the Florida Senate District 15 special election is Tuesday, June 24th, 2025. This election will determine the Democratic nominee.
Key Dates and Deadlines
- Voter Registration Deadline: Tuesday, May 27th, 2025
- Vote-by-Mail Ballot Request Deadline: Thursday, June 12th, 2025
- Mandatory Early Voting Period: Saturday, June 14th – Saturday, June 21st, 2025
The general election for SD-15 is Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025.
Key Dates and Deadlines
- Voter Registration Deadline: Monday, August 4th, 2025
- Vote-by-Mail Ballot Request Deadline: Thursday, August 21st, 2025
- Mandatory Early Voting Period: Saturday, August 23rd – Saturday, August 30th, 2025
