Scott Powers
State Rep. Randolph Bracy has won the Democratic nomination to the Florida Senate in the Orlando-based Senate District 11.
Bracy held off three Democratic challengers including former state Sen. Gary Siplin to win in an election that all but assures he will win the seat outright in November. There are two write-in candidates, forcing a general election.
Bracy drew 46 percent of the vote to 35 for Siplin, 12 percent for environmental activist Chuck O’Neal and 8 percent for former state Rep. Bob Sindler, also a former Orange County commissioner.
“It was a lot of hard work,” Bracy said. “We were able to raise a good bit of money to get our message out, and I think our message resonated with voters. I think they were looking for new leadership.”
For Bracy, a consultant from the west Orange city of Oakland, the victory advances his political career that has its roots deep in the west Orange County communities and public service, which began in his parents’ church.
“I think it’s an extension of what my family has done in the last 25 years in Central Florida,” Bracy said.
He succeeds state Sen. Geraldine Thompson, who ran unsuccessfully for Congress in Florida’s 10th Congressional District.
