Politics
Alan Grayson Shakes Up Senate District 15 Race, Targeting ‘Family Feud’ Candidates, an Attorney, and a GOP Hopeful
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The race to fill the late Senator Geraldine Thompson’s Senate District 15 seat has officially turned into one of Central Florida’s most dramatic political battles of the year. Former U.S. Congressman Alan Grayson has officially entered the race, joining Democratic attorney Coretta Anthony-Smith, State Representative LaVon Bracy Davis, former State Senator Randolph Bracy III, and Republican Willie J. Montague in a highly anticipated special election.
Governor Ron DeSantis called for a Special Election last week following Thompson’s unexpected passing in February. The Special Primary is scheduled for June 24, 2025, with the Special Election set for September 2, 2025.
A Family Feud Headlines the Democratic Primary
The Democratic side of the ballot will see a rare and highly personal showdown as State Representative LaVon Bracy Davis faces her brother, former State Senator Randolph Bracy III, for the seat. Bracy previously held the Senate District 15 seat. He ran an unsuccessful campaign for Congress and later attempted to reclaim his Senate seat but lost to Thompson in the 2024 primary.
Bracy Davis announced her candidacy, confirming her resignation from the Florida House effective September 1, a day before the final vote in Senate District 15. Florida election law requires candidates to resign from their current seat to run for another office.
Randolph Bracy publicly expressed disappointment at his sister’s decision to enter the race against him, stating:
“This is a sad day for the Bracy name. My sister choosing to run against me dishonors our father’s legacy in every way possible. I will not disparage our father, who believed in this family, by debating my sister in any format.”
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Alan Grayson on a Return Mission
In a statement to Florida Politics, Alan Grayson criticized the current state of the Democratic candidates and elected officials, declaring:
“I’m seeing a pervasive failure on the part of Democratic candidates and elected officials to accomplish anything meaningful.”
Grayson, known for his bold rhetoric and progressive record during his time in Congress, hopes to claim a seat in state politics and offer voters a non-family feud, policy-driven option in the crowded Democratic primary.
Republican Challenger and New Faces
On the Republican side, Willie J. Montague, a faith-based nonprofit founder, will contest for the seat. Democrat Coretta Anthony-Smith, a personal injury attorney, has also filed to run, further diversifying the field.
What’s Next for Senate District 15?
The political landscape in Senate District 15, which covers parts of Orange County, is heating up fast:
Special Primary Election: June 24, 2025
Special General Election: September 2, 2025
LaVon Bracy Davis will officially resign from the Florida House on September 1, 2025, to meet election requirements.
Expect a highly publicized and contentious Democratic Primary as the Bracy siblings square off while Alan Grayson and Coretta Anthony-Smith work to capture the party base.
Republican Willie J. Montague aims to rally the GOP vote for a potential upset in a traditionally Democratic-leaning district.
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J Willie David, III
News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Florida
Joe Strada Loans Campaign $5 Million, Launches $1 Million Ad Buy in Congressional District 11
The ad was produced by political strategist Brad Herold of Something Else Strategies and marks the first major media investment of the campaign.
$5 MILLION PERSONAL LOAN TO CAMPAIGN
Strada, founder of Strada Services, announced last week that he had loaned his congressional campaign $5 million, providing the campaign with substantial financial resources early in the election cycle.
Strada Services is one of the nation’s largest privately held, family-owned companies specializing in air conditioning, electrical, security, and plumbing services.
The campaign said the loan and advertising investment demonstrate Strada’s commitment to communicating directly with voters throughout Central Florida.
FIRST MAJOR MEDIA PUSH
The $1 million advertising effort is expected to reach voters across Florida’s 11th Congressional District through a combination of television, radio, and digital media platforms.
The campaign has positioned Strada as a conservative outsider and successful entrepreneur focused on bringing private-sector experience to Washington.
Additional details regarding future advertising and campaign events are expected in the coming weeks.
ABOUT FLORIDA’S 11TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Florida’s 11th Congressional District includes portions of Central Florida and is expected to be one of the state’s closely watched congressional races during the 2026 election cycle.
Florida
Republican Rep. Paula Stark Disqualified From Ballot, Giving Democrats Opportunity to Flip House District 47
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Rep. Paula Stark has been disqualified from seeking reelection in Florida House District 47 after failing to satisfy candidate qualifying requirements before the noon Friday filing deadline.
According to state election records, Stark’s candidacy was disqualified due to a deficiency involving required financial disclosure filings, commonly referred to as Form 6. Florida law requires candidates for legislative office to timely submit all qualifying documents, including financial disclosure forms, to appear on the ballot.
Form 6 Financial Disclosure Requirement
Form 6 is a public financial disclosure document required for state elected officials and candidates. The form requires candidates to disclose assets, liabilities, sources of income, and other financial interests.
The disclosure includes a sworn certification stating: “Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have read the foregoing Form 6 and that the facts stated in it are true.”
Candidates are required to complete, sign and timely file the disclosure as part of Florida’s qualifying process. Failure to properly file required qualifying documents, including Form 6, by the statutory deadline can result in disqualification from the ballot.
Democrats Advance to Primary Election
With Stark removed from contention, Democrats now have an opportunity to capture the Republican-held seat in House District 47.
The only candidates remaining in the race are:
- Jorge Figueroa, President of the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida
- Anthony Nieves, a state investigator
The two Democrats will compete in the Aug. 18 Democratic Primary, with the winner becoming Representative-Elect.
House District 47 covers portions of Osceola County and has been represented by Stark since her election to the Florida House.
The disqualification was among the most notable developments of Florida’s 2026 candidate qualifying period and significantly alters the political landscape in a district Republicans had hoped to retain.
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