Jacob Ogles
RaShon Young is making the jump from legislative staff to lawmaker after the Orlando Democrat won a Special Election in House District 40.
With 100% of precincts reported, Orange County elections officials reported Young leading Republican Tuan Le with more than 75% of the vote, or 7,322 votes to Le’s 2,433.
That means Young will succeed former Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis, who just won her own race to succeed the late Sen. Geraldine Thompson in Senate District 15. He will also keep the seat in Democratic hands.
Young won a Democratic Primary earlier this year over former Rep. Travaris McCurdy. He long planned to run for his boss’s seat whenever she moved on from the House office, and said his experience made him the best choice to follow in Bracy Davis’ footsteps.
“I am humbled and deeply grateful to the people of House District 40 for the trust they have placed in me. Tonight’s victory is not just about one candidate. It’s about the 180,000 people who call this district home. It’s about proving that when we come together, when we fight for one another, and when we believe in the power of democracy, change is possible,” Young said.
“This campaign has always been about service, about reforming the systems that leave too many behind, and about ensuring that every voice in our community is heard. I thank my family, my campaign team, our volunteers, and the countless supporters who knocked doors, made calls, and stood with us every step of the way. But tonight is only the beginning. Tomorrow, we get back to work. Together, we will build a future where families can thrive, seniors are cared for, young people have opportunity, and no one is left out or left behind. I am ready to serve, ready to fight, and ready to lead. And as I’ve said before, there is no Young without you.”
Le ran on business issues including zoning equity, business tax credits and workforce education. He said the urban district needs attention from the state, which should focus on economic issues.
“It is time to improve District 40 that was left behind in the last 40 years,” he wrote on his website. “Together, we can create opportunities for our community, children and small businesses, ensuring a thriving economy and a brighter future for all in District 40.”
The former NASA electrical engineer started several restaurants and other businesses. He also worked in government auditing for the city of Titusville.
Write-in candidate Chris Hall also ran for the seat. He was working as a security guard at the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee when he qualified for the Central Florida seat.
RaShon headed into the Special Election as a heavy favorite. Almost 67% of voters in the district supported Democrat Kamala Harris for President in November, even as Republican Donald Trump won 56% of the vote statewide, according to MCI Maps.
Bracy Davis won re-election in the House district in November with almost 68% of the vote, defeating Republican Belinda Ford.
Young also raised almost $98,000 through his official candidate account, while Le never filed a fundraising report.
Samuel Vilchez Santiago, Orange County Democratic Party Chair, cheered Young’s win, as well as Bracy Davis’ victory.
“The Orange County Democratic Party extends our heartfelt congratulations to Senator-elect LaVon Bracy Davis and Representative-elect RaShon Young on their elections tonight,” he said.
“Representative-elect Young’s victory is truly historic. At just 26 years old, he is one of the youngest African American legislators ever elected in Florida’s history and the first Democratic Gen Z member of the Florida House of Representatives. His energy, vision, and commitment to service will bring a fresh perspective to the Legislature, inspiring young people across our state.”
He said the win also showed Democrats know how to win in Orange County.
“These victories were possible thanks to the hundreds of volunteers who knocked doors, made calls, and engaged voters,” he said. “While these districts have long been Democratic strongholds, our Democratic ecosystem — the campaigns, the legislative caucuses, and the Orange County Democratic Party — came together to use this opportunity to talk to thousands of voters. We believe every community and every constituent deserves our attention because they matter. Period.”
Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried cheered the expected wins, but also pointed out the high margins of victory.
“Senator-elect LaVon Bracy Davis and Representative-elect RaShon Young are some of the best among us, and I am thrilled to congratulate them on their victories in this Special Election. True community advocates, they care about and are ready to fight for what Central Floridians care about the most: lower costs of living, safer communities, and true change driven by and for the people,” Fried said.
“This victory is not an anomaly. Floridians are sick of the Republican status quo, and this 70% margin of victory proves that Floridians are saying enough is enough. Voters are fed up with political posturing, wasteful spending, and the never-ending culture wars that have left the middle class behind with shrinking healthcare coverage, crumbling public schools, and sky-high insurance premiums. Using alliteration to name inhumane detention camps may grab headlines, but it’s not grabbing votes.”
Fried said the party made efforts to build its ranks in Orange County even when running in regions that typically support Democratic candidates.
“Together, Florida Democrats made over 37,000 direct voter contact attempts and re-enrolled nearly 10,000 Democratic voters in vote by mail. This is a direct result of investing in year-round organizing, coalition building, and on the ground momentum that is driven by volunteers,” she said.
