ORLANDO, Fla. — Geraldine Thompson, a prominent Florida state senator, passed away on Thursday due to complications arising from knee replacement surgery. She was 76 years old.
Thompson was a dedicated member of the Florida Legislature, first taking office in 2006. Her most recent tenure in the Florida Senate began in 2022 after a previous stint from 2012 to 2016. She also represented the Florida House from 2006 until 2012 and returned to serve again from 2018 to 2022.
Her family released a statement highlighting her relentless dedication to various causes, particularly in education, healthcare, and civil rights. They noted her pivotal role in establishing the Wells’ Built Museum of African American History and Culture in Orlando, which demonstrated her steadfast commitment to improving the community for future generations.
In her legislative role, Thompson was the vice chair of the Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education. She also contributed to several other committees, including Education Postsecondary, Education Pre-K-12, Fiscal Policy, Judiciary, Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security, as well as Rules.
Thompson’s passing is a significant loss to the Florida political landscape, reflecting the impact she had through her years of service and advocacy for important social issues. Her legacy as a leader dedicated to equity and justice will undoubtedly endure in the communities she served.
