MEET THE CANDIDATES: Randolph Bracy, Florida Senate District 15 Democratic Primary

RANDOLPH BRACY

Age: 47

Residence: Oakland

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

Education: Bachelor’s degree in psychology from the College of William & Mary; MBA from the University of Central Florida

Profession: Entrepreneur

Qualifications (volunteer, community service, etc.): State legislator for 10 years

Why are you running for Florida State Senate District 15?  

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 Florida 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.  

There has not been a Democrat in Orange County (who) has the record I have. I have been able to save Bethune Cookman from closing with an annual $17 million appropriation. I passed (reparations, the second time in U.S. history for African-Americans) the Randolph Bracy Ocoee Scholarship program, which gives students more than $300,000 every year. I secured funding for Apopka to get a fire station. I secured $1.75 million for Oakland for their wastewater system. I made the Ocoee Massacre required teaching across the state. I passed a bill that would require unanimous juries to send someone to the death penalty. I passed a measure to protect firefighters from getting cancer. I passed a bill to ensure families’ inherited property is protected if there isn’t a will. I secured funding for the Jewish center to add protection for their facility. My legislative accomplishments as a Democrat in this administration are unmatched. 

My opponent’s record doesn’t come close. With a quarter-century in office, my opponent’s record doesn’t come close to mine, and I haven’t been in office for half of the time she has. Yet, I’ve accomplished far more.

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 successful as a senator. When you are led by God, you work from a deeper motivation, and that’s why I believe that a movement is necessary to change the course of people’s 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 (also) who has the vision to usher in this positive movement.

What are the key differences between you and your opponent?  

I would say our legislative accomplishments. For a quarter-century in office, (Geraldine) Thompson has very little to show for it. What she has done is consistently used her position for financial gain. Every year that she has been in office, she has used her position to file appropriations for her own nonprofit, the Wells’Built Museum of African American History and Culture. This can be fact-checked. Yet, she can’t pass bills or bring money home. My legislative accomplishments have been nothing short of historic.

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

Home affordability — this includes skyrocketing property insurance — fair wages and mental health. 

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?  

The difference between my opponent and I is that I have worked with my colleagues on the other aisle to get things done. That’s why I am able to take care of this district — no matter what the needs are. I’ve had food drives every week for certain parts of my community. I’ve brought mortgage-assistance programs for this district. I’ve brought scholarships and addressed infrastructure needs. I’ve brought money to nonprofits serving the most vulnerable in our district. I’ve passed meaningful legislative bills that have impacted this state and this community.

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.   

I own multiple properties, but my homesteaded property is in Oakland.

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

I think Ron DeSantis has done a good job of dividing this state. I got Ron DeSantis to sign my black history bill to teach the Ocoee Massacre in schools across the state. I DID THAT! So, I do have a history of getting him to sign numerous bills of mine. I also think all people should be treated fairly, and that includes the LGBTQ community. But one thing I do agree with Ron DeSantis on is that transgender girls shouldn’t play in girls sports, and transgender boys shouldn’t play in boys sports.

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 a huge supporter of the arts! I am a filmmaker. I’ve advocated for years for funding for Central Florida arts groups and have had their funding increased in years past. I’ve sponsored legislation to bring back the film tax credits and incentives. I have been a strong advocate for the arts and will continue to do so. I secured $30 million for African-American museums statewide.

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

I’ve always 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 (its) wastewater system. I got (Oakland) a sign on the 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 opponent is that I have been able to deliver on the local government’s requests, and she has not. Even though my opponent has been a state legislator for a quarter-century, she has not been able to deliver, and Senate District 15 deserves better.