MEET THE CANDIDATES: Randolph Bracy, Florida Senate District 15

Age: 48

Residence: Oakland

Family: Wife is Kietta Mayweather Bracy; three children Taylor, London, Brooklyn

Education:  Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The College of William & Mary, MBA from UCF

Profession: Entrepreneur

Qualifications: State legislator for 10 years

Why are you running for Florida State Senate District 15? 

District 15 needs great leadership now more than ever. With our politics as divisive as it’s ever been, with our economic future uncertain, this district needs an effective leader with a proven track record. I am the only proven legislator to be able to get historic legislation accomplished in this political climate.  

I’m running for reasons bigger than politics. I’m running to start a movement where I can lead this community to be the best version of ourselves. As a senator, who has the best legislative record of any Central Floridian Democrat, I realized that passing laws and bringing money home isn’t enough. Our country is breaking down right before our eyes, and we need a movement that starts within each one of us, so that we change our individual lives for the better, then our community, then our government — But it starts with us.

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

I have been deemed by others as the most successful Democrat in Central Florida under this Republican administration. I am not all about talk, I am the people’s champion. My proven track record speaks for itself. It’s easy for my opponents to talk about what they want to do, but the truth is, I’m the only one who has done what I’ve said I can do.

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

Since we both have represented this district in the Senate, I think it’s fair to say we both have differing legacies. But I plan to continue passing effective and meaningful legislation that positively impacts all communities within District 15.

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

I’m inspired by God, my integrity and my love for people. It is why I have been so effective as a senator. When you are led by God, you work from a deeper motivation. 

That’s why I believe that a movement is necessary to change the course of peoples lives and the course of this country.  I will lead the movement — a better me, a better you, a better us — enabling people to be the change they want to see. Then, our government will be reflective of the people of this movement. There are so many changes happening in our world, and we need a leader who will lead us in the right direction. Someone who has the right moral compass. Someone who will not only be an effective legislator but who has the vision to usher in this positive movement.

What are the key differences between you and your opponent?

Legislative accomplishments, experience and integrity. 

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

Home affordability (this includes skyrocketing property insurance), inflation/rising costs and standing up to extreme Republicans. 

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?  

All the other candidates will talk about what they want to do; I’m the only candidate who can state what I have done and will do under this Republican administration. I have benefited every constituency, every ethnic group, every age group in this district. From passing health benefits for our first responders to addressing critical infrastructure needs; from securing funding for environmental projects in West Orange County to funding the Apopka fire station; from passing legislation protecting elementary students from being arrested to creating a scholarship program to allow West Orange County students to go to college; from securing money for the Jewish Center for protective measures to being the only Democrat to amend the Marjory Stoneman Douglass Gun bill; from securing funding to prevent closure of a premiere Florida HBCU to passing legislation that closed the loophole protecting heirs properties; from passing a bill that required juries to have unanimous verdicts in Death Penalty cases to piloting effective programs to address the needs of our seniors. The list goes on and on, and factually no other candidate can compare to my record of effectiveness.

Share how you plan to work with Gov. Ron DeSantis and your Republican colleagues across the aisle for the benefit of all Floridians.  

No other candidate in this race has the track record of being effective in this Republican controlled legislature. I’ve even got Gov. Ron Desantis to sign bills that he wasn’t even in agreement with! I have mastered the art of working across the aisle to get this done for District 15.

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

I’ve always have worked closely with local governments to take care of their needs. I’ve sponsored many bills for the different municipalities. I’ve secured funding for Oakland for their wastewater system. I got them a sign on the (Florida’s) Turnpike when they asked me to do it. I got the funding for an Apopka fire station. I secured money for Ocoee students to pursue their post secondary education every year. I’ve always had great working relationships with local governments. The difference between myself and my opponents is that I have been the only candidate in this race who has continually been able to deliver to District 15.