ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Political newcomer and personal injury attorney Coretta Anthony-Smith has discovered a lucrative fundraising lane in the race for Florida Senate District 15. She’s quickly emerged as a financial frontrunner, leaning heavily on contributions from the legal community as she prepares to take on three well-known Democratic opponents in the June 24th primary.

Crowded Field of Familiar Names

Anthony-Smith is running against State Representative LaVon Bracy Davis, former State Senator Randolph Bracy (Bracy Davis’ brother), and former U.S. Congressman Alan Grayson. Both Bracy Davis and Grayson also bring attorney titles and name recognition into the race, setting up one of the most competitive Democratic primaries in Central Florida this election cycle.

Fundraising Leader Among Seasoned Opponents

Despite being a first-time candidate, Anthony-Smith has outpaced her seasoned opponents in fundraising. According to her latest campaign finance report filed with the Florida Division of Elections in May 2025, she raised $39,000 in contributions—the highest among all candidates in the Special Election.

Her fundraising success has been fueled by strong support from Orlando’s legal community, with several law firms contributing $1,000 each, including:

• Law Niemand

• Law Couch

• Todd E. Copeland Associates

• Law Offices of Michael A. Miller

Individual attorneys also made max donations of $1,000, including:

• Walter Arguelles

• Brooke Boltz

• Jeffrey Byrd

• Tyrone King

• Mac Phillips

• Walter Rogers

Additionally, Anthony-Smith personally loaned her campaign a hefty $175,000, giving her financial flexibility through the election season. She can choose to recoup those funds if not spent.

PAC Support and Legal Network Power

Further strengthening her financial position, Anthony-Smith chairs the affiliated political action committee, Action for Change Now, which has raised an impressive $66,500. Her PAC has also capitalized on donations from fellow personal injury attorneys and law firms eager to support one of their own.

Her ability to mobilize resources from her legal peers has not only propelled her to the top of the fundraising charts but positioned her as a serious contender for the open seat.

Family Feud Overshadows Democratic Primary

Meanwhile, the race has been overshadowed by a reported family feud between Bracy Davis and Randolph Bracy, who failed to consolidate support despite their family’s legacy in Orange County. “Their inability to set aside personal differences — in contrast to the often strategically unified approach of Republicans in the Florida Legislature — is seen by some observers as a missed opportunity for Democratic voters to have siblings hold both Senate and House seats.”

Challenges for LaVon Bracy Davis

A key setback for State Rep. Bracy Davis is the extended 2025 Legislative Session, which restricts active lawmakers from raising funds for their campaigns while the session is in progress. This delay has limited her ability to financially compete with Anthony-Smith’s head start.

Next Step: Facing the Republican Nominee

The winner of the June 24 Democratic primary will face Republican Willie Montague in the Special General Election on September 2, 2025, to fill the seat previously held by Senator Geraldine Thompson, who passed away earlier this year.

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J Willie David, III
News@FloridaNationalNews.com