LaVon Bracy Davis is sworn in as Florida’s newest Senator

The Legislature has officially welcomed its newest Senator.

Sen. LaVon Bracy Davis was sworn in Tuesday on the Senate floor after winning a Special Election last month. Bracy Davis will represent Senate District 15, succeeding the late state Sen. Geraldine Thompson.

Thompson, 76, died Feb. 13 from knee surgery complications after representing Orlando in the Legislature for nearly two decades.

Thompson’s husband, Judge Emerson Thompson, gave the oath to Bracy Davis, an Ocoee Democrat who previously served in the House.

Meanwhile, Bracy Davis’ husband, Rev. Adrian Davis of Bethel Independent Free Methodist Church of Mount Dora, led the prayer on the Senate floor.

“Let her voice echo with integrity and let her service be marked by humility,” her husband said. “Bless every colleague, every co-laborer, every Senator. Cover these halls with your spirit. … Promote your unity. Ignite peace and harmony.”

Also joining the new Senator was Bracy Davis’ stepdaughter, her mother, LaVon Wright Bracy, and Thompson’s daughter. Bracy Davis’ brother, former state Sen. Randolph Bracy, who ran against his sister and lost in the Primary, did not appear to be in attendance in Tallahassee.

Senate President Ben Albritton welcomed Bracy Davis to the Senate.

“At the end of the day, the number of times I’ve watched a heated debate and the two that were debating hug each other,” Albritton said. “And that’s the character of the Senate. It’s my estimation you and your family are going to fit right in.”

Bracy Davis won the Special Election by beating Republican Willie Montague with nearly 73% support.

In the Primary, she defeated not only her brother, but also lawyer Coretta Anthony-Smith and former U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson.

“During my time in the Florida House, I have fought to lower costs for working families, expand access to quality healthcare, and strengthen public education. I have worked to stop book bans and other forms of censorship that rob our children of knowledge and the freedom to learn,” Bracy Davis said after her victory.

“I have worked to protect reproductive freedom, defend voting rights, and make sure every Floridian has the right to be heard. Together, we have worked to build a record of service rooted in progress, justice, and opportunity. That work continues tonight.”