By Reggie Connell, Managing Editor
Randolph Bracy knows what it's like to get things done in a challenging political climate. As he mounts a campaign in the Florida Senate District 15 special election, the former state senator isn't running on promises — he's running on proof.
"I've been the most successful Democrat getting legislation passed and money back home to our district," Bracy said. "That's never stopped me from getting stuff done."
Bracy, who previously served in both the Florida House and Senate from 2012 to 2022, is no stranger to navigating Republican-dominated halls in Tallahassee. In his decade of service, he authored landmark bills like the Randolph Bracy Ocoee Scholarship Program — a rare example of state-funded reparations for descendants of victims of the 1920 Ocoee Massacre — and secured critical funds for local projects, including a new fire station in Apopka.
Now, after sitting out the last legislative session, he says the time is right to return.
"Leadership at this juncture is very important," he said. "We've got a lot of pressing issues in society. Our economy is changing so rapidly, and I think we need a good leader to steer us in the right direction."
A culture of extremism on both sides of the aisle
Bracy sees his return as both urgent and strategic — a response to a political culture he sees as increasingly extreme on both sides of the aisle.
"It seems like Republicans are further to the right, and Democrats are further to the left," he said. "The goals of Donald Trump have bled into our state legislature. They're mimicking what he wants to do, and his agenda is more extreme."
Bracy, however, does not see himself as a member of either of the extreme wings of the Florida Legislature.
"I don't like to label myself. It just depends on the issue," he said. "I like to get things done."
He references not only legislation but also the dollars he delivers back to his community. Bracy says he has brought more than $250 million into the district during his time in office.
"No one can even come close," he said, referring to other Democrats in the race. "Anyone can go up there and vote no on abortion. But I actually got this legislature to pass historic bills."
Effective despite being outside the majority
Bracy is adamant that Democrats can still prosper in the Florida Legislature.
"Some Democrats have been let off the hook for not doing anything," he said. "They say, 'Well, the other party's in control,' but that doesn't absolve you. The community still has needs. We still want laws passed. We want things to change."
That philosophy also applies to Apopka. Bracy says his relationship with the city and its residents goes back years.
"I know Apopka well. That's one of my strongest bases of support," he said. "I represented all of South Apopka and parts of North Apopka. (Apopka) Mayor (Bryan) Nelson asked me to help get money for the Apopka Fire Station 6, and I got over a million dollars for that."
Bracy said he also pushed for funding for the John Bridges Center and other community initiatives, though not all were successful due to bureaucratic hurdles.
"These are the kinds of projects that matter. An effective legislator knows how the process works and can get that funding," he said. "That's the difference."
Helping Apopka build its downtown
Bracy also sees an opportunity to assist Apopka in its efforts to improve the downtown area and amenities throughout the city.
"I'd like to see more things for people to do — restaurants, outings," he said. "We need business development. Other cities are doing a good job of developing their downtown corridors. Apopka is trying, but we need more."
On policy, Bracy's platform addresses issues such as affordable housing, workforce training, youth programs, and bridging the digital divide in underserved communities. But he links these priorities to a bigger vision of economic transformation.
"The AI economy is coming fast, and it's going to shift our economy as we know it," he said. "We need to be prepared. Our workforce needs to be ready, whether that's through training programs or an AI-prepared framework. If we do that, we can lift incomes, and that directly addresses housing affordability."
Bracy also advocates for increased support for small businesses.
"Our small businesses are the lifeline of our economy," he said. "We could use grants and other resources to help them grow, especially in urban communities, but really across the board."
He believes workforce development programs like apprenticeships should be expanded.
"We can help people get into certain industries through programs like CareerSource," he said. "And we can help businesses that need that momentary support to get over the hump."
A sibling rivalry inside the election
Bracy's campaign is also marked by personal and political friction, most notably, running against his sister, Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis, who succeeded him in the legislature with his full support in 2022.
"It's a sad state of affairs," he said. "I introduced her to every donor, supported her campaign, raised the money. And then, it's like, 'I don't know you anymore.' It's shocking and still is."
Despite the emotional toll, Bracy remains focused on what he believes he can deliver for the district.
"Whatever the goals are — a fire station, a youth center, infrastructure — an effective legislator can help get that funding and move those projects along," he said.
That's at the core of Bracy's campaign platform - he's not just a candidate, but a proven advocate who knows how to cut through the noise, navigate Tallahassee, and deliver real results.
"I wouldn't even waste my time doing this if I couldn't pass laws," he said. "We desperately need good leadership — and I know how to lead."
For more details about Bracy, go to his campaign website.
*****
The primary for the Florida Senate District 15 special election is scheduled for Tuesday, June 24, 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 scheduled for Tuesday, September 2, 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
