Geraldine Thompson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Geraldine Thompson
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Official portrait, c. 2006
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| Member of the Florida Senate from the 15th district |
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| In office November 8, 2022 – February 13, 2025 |
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| Preceded by | Randolph Bracy (redistricting) |
| Succeeded by | Vacant |
| Member of the Florida House of Representatives from the 44th district |
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| In office November 6, 2018 – November 8, 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Bobby Olszewski |
| Succeeded by | Carolina Amesty (redistricting) |
| Member of the Florida Senate from the 12th district |
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| In office November 6, 2012 – November 8, 2016 |
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| Preceded by | Gary Siplin (redistricting) |
| Succeeded by | Randolph Bracy (redistricting) |
| Member of the Florida House of Representatives from the 39th district |
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| In office November 7, 2006 – November 6, 2012 |
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| Preceded by | Bruce Antone |
| Succeeded by | Bruce Antone (redistricting) |
| Personal details | |
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Geraldine Fortenberry
November 18, 1948 New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Died | February 13, 2025 (aged 76) Orlando, Florida, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Alma mater | Miami-Dade Community College (AA) University of Miami (BEd) Florida State University (MS) |
| Profession | Educator |
Geraldine Fortenberry Thompson (November 18, 1948 – February 13, 2025) was an American politician. She was a member of the Democratic Party. Thompson served in the Florida Legislature from 2006 until her death in 2025.
She was a member of the Florida State Senate from 2012 to 2016. She represented parts of Orlando and western Orange County. Thompson also served three terms in the Florida House of Representatives, from 2006 to 2012. She returned to the Florida House, representing the 44th District from 2018 to 2022.
Her district included areas like Windermere, Winter Garden, and Lake Buena Vista. It also contained popular places like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Florida, and SeaWorld.
About Geraldine Thompson
Early Life and Education
Geraldine Thompson was born on November 18, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana. She moved to Florida in 1955. She grew up in Perrine, where her family worked in farming and construction.
She attended Miami-Dade Community College. Later, she received a scholarship to the University of Miami. She enrolled there shortly after the school stopped separating students by race. In 1970, she earned a bachelor's degree with honors in journalism and business education.
Starting Her Career
After college, Thompson moved to Tallahassee with her husband, Emerson. She worked in state government and higher education. Her first job in Tallahassee was as an Executive Secretary. She worked for Representative Gwendolyn Sawyer Cherry. Cherry was the first African American woman to serve in the Florida House of Representatives.
Thompson earned a Master of Science degree in Communication from Florida State University in 1973. She then moved to Orlando and became a teacher. She taught in Orange County Public Schools. After six years, she worked at Valencia Community College. There, she was the Director of the Equal Opportunity Office for 24 years.
First Steps in Politics
In 2002, Thompson first ran for the Florida House of Representatives. She focused her campaign on improving education and helping the economy grow. She was praised for her work in saving the Well'sbuilt Hotel. This hotel was turned into a history museum.
In 2004, she ran for State Senator. She believed the current senator was not doing enough for the community. She was known for her strong will to get things done.
Serving in the Florida House
In 2006, Thompson ran for the Florida House again. She wanted to help people find affordable homes. She also supported better public transportation. She aimed to reduce crime by creating more job opportunities.
She won the election by a large margin. She was then re-elected without any opponents in 2008 and 2010. This showed strong support from her community.
Serving in the Florida Senate
In 2012, Thompson ran for the Florida Senate because the previous senator could not run again. She focused on making public education better and creating more jobs. She won the election and became a State Senator.
She ran for re-election in 2014. She emphasized that voters should compare her ideas with her opponents'. She was seen as a caring and effective lawmaker. She was a strong supporter of public education and health. She won her re-election by a significant margin.
Later Political Campaigns
Running for Congress
In 2015, new election districts were created. Thompson decided to run for Congress in the new 10th district. She came in second place in the Democratic primary election.
Returning to the Florida House
In 2018, Thompson decided to run for the Florida House again. She challenged the Republican state representative in District 44. She won the general election, returning to the Florida House.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
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| Democratic | Geraldine Thompson | 42,108 | 51.3 | |
| Republican | Bobby Olszewski (incumbent) | 39,951 | 48.7 | |
| Total votes | 82,059 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic gain from Republican | ||||
Challenging a Supreme Court Appointment
In 2020, Thompson took legal action regarding an appointment to the Florida Supreme Court. She argued that the governor's appointment was against the state's constitution. The court agreed with her, and the governor had to choose someone else from the list of candidates.
Election to the Florida Senate in 2022
In 2022, Thompson ran for the Florida Senate District 15 seat. She won the election, defeating another State Representative.
Death
Geraldine Thompson passed away on February 13, 2025. She was 76 years old. She died in an Orlando, Florida, hospital due to complications from knee surgery.
