There’s something we’ve noticed over the years about the most effective leaders. They will take responsibility much more quickly than they take credit. If something has gone wrong, they’re focused on how to fix it, not on racking up plaudits or finding someone to blame.
That attitude is particularly important in an organization like the Florida Senate . Any legislative body is going to see its share of incendiary debate. But this expansive state is divided into just 40 Senate districts. Even though the Senate is under GOP control (so much so that it seems unlikely to flip in the November election) state senators are far more inclined to work across the aisle. And the GOP leaders in the upper chamber will at times, with Democratic help, put the brakes on the most wild-eyed ideas to come from the House of Representatives.
That doesn’t change the fact that Republicans and Democrats are both looking for legislators who best fit their ideology and beliefs. But it should guide them toward lawmakers capable of treating everyone with respect and restraint and building working relationships outside of their party.
Florida Senate District 15 – Universal primary
Incumbent Sen. Geraldine Thompson has been serving in the Florida Legislature for longer than term limits might seem to allow, bouncing between House and Senate for nearly 16 years. Along the way she’s garnered considerable capital in the Capitol, drawing attention to vulnerable populations and often credited with brokering deals to keep Democratic bills moving despite partisan headwinds. She doesn’t always insist on credit for what she does. But when a strong voice is needed, she’s not afraid to stand — as she did when Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed a Supreme Court judge who hadn’t been an attorney long enough to meet the requirements of the state constitution. She also helped wrangle legislation to improve safety standards for amusement rides.
That’s a good thing, because this race, with only two Democrats and no Republicans, will be open to all voters in District 15 when primary ballots are cast Aug. 20 or before.
Thompson’s steadfast advocacy has earned her a broad base of support among her fellow lawmakers, who respect her knack for working deals, without much concern over who gets the credit. But that may have encouraged her opponent — Randolph Bracy, a former state senator himself — to attack her record. His verbal aggression during the Orlando Sentinel’s editorial board interview was churlish to the point of actual insult, repeatedly accusing her of lying and proclaiming his own “historic” accomplishments.
That is a shame, because during his time in the Legislature, Bracy did pass significant legislation, both directly (such as a scholarship program for survivors of the Ocoee Massacre) and by amending it onto bigger bills, as with a juvenile civil-citation bill that helps young offenders avoid criminal records. But his combative attitude has also manifested at other forums and on his social media, where a few days ago he posted a rant implying Thompson was too old to serve and referring to her as a “pure embarrassment.”
His attacks on Thompson may be part of the reason he lacks the support of most local lawmakers — including his own sister, state Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis. And he’s thrown the decision for District 15 voters into sharp contrast: Geraldine Thompson is the right choice, but Randolph Bracy could be a disastrous one.
Florida Senate District 25 – Democratic primary
The Democratic primary in Senate District 25 – which covers all of Osceola County and part of Orange — features a three-pack of familiar faces: Rep. Kristen Arrington , who has been in the House since 2020; Carmen Torres , a longtime community activist in her own right and the wife of Sen. Victor Torres, who is term-limited out; state and Alan Grayson , who served three very memorable terms in Congress and has run for other offices since then.
Arrington’s state legislative experience, and reputation as a no-nonsense negotiator, give her the edge. She’s managed to pass bills and bring home significant appropriations by working with Republicans, which is a significant accomplishment. Even among the local Democrats who are backing Carmen Torres, many acknowledge that Arrington would be a fine choice as well and plan to support her in November if she wins.
The same goes, we suspect, for Arrington and her backers should Torres secure the nomination.
The picture is not so clear for Grayson. His willingness to do his homework on state issues was apparent — in fact, he sometimes sounded more knowledgeable than Arrington or Torres. But in the past, he’s been accused of wading into controversy, including decisions that seem poorly considered — such as his 2016 establishment of a hedge fund that ended with him under investigation by the House Ethics Committee.
Also of concern: Grayson’s reputation as a bully and a bombast. Being a successful Democrat in the Florida Legislature means knowing how to deploy humility and good humor. With Grayson, one frustrated outburst could destroy the work of months. He may have mellowed in the past few years — but District 25 Democrats need someone they can rely on to stick to her principles and not get frustrated with incremental progress. Arrington knows how to do that, and that makes her the best choice.
Florida Senate District 25 – Republican primary
The same holds true for Republicans, even though they have a stronger hand in negotiations. The GOP primary pits Osceola School Board member Jon Arguello against Jose Martinez , who owns a chain of cellphone stores.
Both hew close to standard Republican values: Both favor market-based solutions to make health care more affordable for the 11% of adults who lack insurance, as opposed to expanded Medicare or Medicaid. Both pledge to uphold the will of voters if they approve an amendment guaranteeing access to abortion — but also make their distaste for pregnancy termination clear.
But Martinez seems more resistant to the rampant nonsense that the GOP has been putting out in recent years — including the allegation that elections aren’t secure, which Arguello tacitly endorses. Meanwhile, Arguello has been an avid proponent of removing books from shelves in Osceola County schools.
If District 25 Republicans want a more independent thinker — as they should — Martinez is the right choice.
The Orlando Sentinel endorses Jose Martinez in Senate District 25 GOP primary.
We urge voters to not rely solely on our opinions in deciding how to cast a vote. Voters should check the candidates’ campaign websites and social media accounts (if they don’t have either, that should be a red flag). Ask friends and neighbors what they think. Google the candidates and check out their campaign finances. In addition, we’ve recorded our interviews and posted them in full at OrlandoSentinel.com/opinion .
Election endorsements are the opinion of the Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, which consists of Opinion Editor Krys Fluker, Insight Editor Jay Reddick and Editor-in-Chief Julie Anderson. Send emails to insight@orlandosentinel.com .
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