MEET THE CANDIDATES: Geraldine Thompson, Florida Senate District 15 Democratic Primary

GERALDINE THOMPSON

Age: 75

Residence: Ocoee

Family: Married to the Honorable Emerson R. Thompson Jr.; mother of three adult children; grandmother of six granddaughters and great-grandmother of one great-grandson

Education: Associate’s degree from Miami Dade College; bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Miami; master’s degree from Florida State University

Profession: Museum administrator

Qualifications: Member of the Florida House of Representatives from 2006 to 2012; member of the Florida Senate from 2012 to 2016; member of the Florida House of Representatives from 2018 to 2022; member of the Florida Senate from 2022 to present; member of the Orlando Children’s Trust and Tiger Bay board; former member of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts board; former member of the Association to Preserve African American Society, History and Tradition Inc.

Why are you running for reelection for Florida State Senate District 15?

I am running for reelection to continue to address the escalating cost of property insurance in Florida. I will continue to file legislation to require combined reporting for corporations that are subsidiaries of larger companies but do not report revenues that are sent to parent companies outside of Florida, which then allows them to file bankruptcy and insolvency within the state. I will continue to file legislation to expand eligibility for Medicaid to provide health care benefits for more than 800,000 Floridians. I will advocate for a dedicated source of funding for transportation within Central Florida.

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

I have served in the Florida Legislature for 16 years and have participated in the process twice in the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate. My long-standing knowledge of the legislative process, my engagement in the community, and my relationships with colleagues and staff make me the best candidate. In addition, I am a stable individual who is committed to serving in the Senate, as is demonstrated through my attendance during floor sessions and committee meetings. A review of the Senate Journals and roll call for committees will show my opponent’s continuing absences during his time in the Senate. My prior service resulted in millions of dollars for the town of Oakland to convert from a septic to sanitary sewer system, an expansion of the Children’s Initiative to five Florida cities, including Englewood, Mercy Drive and Parramore in Orange County. I sponsored the Tyre Sampson Act to regulate safe operation of amusement rides in Florida and filed legislation to expand eligibility for scholarships for the descendants of the Ocoee Massacre. I successfully pushed for the establishment of two specialty license plates — one for Project Addiction to provide counseling and other services for people recovering from addiction, and one for the Divine Nine to direct proceeds to scholarships. 

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

I believe in transparency and truth-telling. These values and morals will enable constituents in Senate District 15 to expect that I will follow through on promises made and operate in the sunshine. I believe in servant leadership and being responsive to the people I represent. 

What are the key differences between you and your opponent?

I am committed to serving the constituents of Senate District 15 and do not view the office as a stepping stone to any other post, such as governor of Florida or president of the United States, as my opponent has indicated he aspires to. I deeply care about fulfilling the responsibilities of the position and pride myself on being present for all aspects of the job, including committee meetings and floor sessions. … Additionally, I am willing to take a stand on tough or controversial issues. My opponent frequently leaves the Senate chambers rather than take a stand that might not please the majority.  Senate rules require that when you are in the chambers and called on to vote, you cannot abstain. To avoid voting, my opponent frequently steps out of the chamber, and no vote is recorded.

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

Transportation, access to health care and attainable housing with affordable property-insurance rates are three of the major issues that impact Senate District 15. 

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?

I hold town hall meetings, attend homeowner’s meetings and provide information during City Hall meetings to remain abreast of the concerns of constituents in Senate District 15. I attend civic functions and engage with residents to properly represent all constituents.

During this campaign, the topic of residency within the district has surfaced. Discuss all the properties you own, how they are used and why you believe you are eligible for this position. 

My husband and I own a homesteaded property in Windermere. My primary residence, however, for more than two years, has been in Ocoee, where I reside with my daughter to help her to care for identical twin daughters who were 2 years old in April. My driver’s license, voter registration and homeowner’s obligations are in Ocoee.

Evaluate the job Gov. Ron DeSantis has done as governor, and share how you plan to work with him for all Floridians.

I have disagreed with Gov. Ron DeSantis on a number of issues, including appointing an ineligible individual to the Florida Supreme Court, which was the subject of a lawsuit I filed against him with the Florida Supreme Court, which ruled in my favor. I have disagreed on teaching standards that he has proposed, which maintain that enslaved people benefited from slavery, because they gained skills that could be used for their benefit. My objection to book bans and these issues were covered in The Florida Bulldog, MSNBC and the Washington Post. I will not accept unconstitutional or distorted instruction of students. On issues where I can find common ground with the governor, such as the environment, I am amenable to working with him for the benefit of all Floridians, including those in District 15.  

Many arts organizations throughout the state did not receive state funding this year following DeSantis’ veto. What is your opinion on this decision?

I am the founder of the Wells’Built Museum of African American History and Culture, and I know first-hand the impact that arts and culture have on communities. I believe this was short sighted and will work to the detriment of Floridians and our economy.

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

I make annual presentations to city and town councils within Senate District 15. I respond to questions from local elected officials and am responsive to their results, which benefit our mutual constituents. I am accessible to other officials and make sure their voices are done.