Geraldine F. "Geri" Thompson was a Democratic politician who represented parts of western Orange County, Florida, including Florida Senate District 15 and previously Florida House District 44. She was a trailblazing figure as the first female Democrat and person of color to serve in Florida House District 44, and served nearly 20 years in the Florida Legislature across multiple terms in both chambers. Notable achievements include sponsoring legislation to exonerate the Groveland Four, compensate wrongful convict James Joseph Richardson, ban workplace discrimination against pregnant women, create a specialty license plate benefiting Divine Nine organizations for scholarships, and strengthen safety standards for amusement rides after a 2022 incident. She was a champion for African American history, public education, voting rights, public health, and founded the Wells' Built Museum of African American History and Culture in Orlando's Parramore neighborhood while authoring a book on 150 years of Black history in the city.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Miami-Dade Community College ; University of Miami ; Florida State University .
• Political Experience:
  • Florida House of Representatives, District 44 ; Democratic Leader pro tempore .
  • Florida Senate, District 15 .
  • Additional roles: Democratic Ranking Member on Economic Development & Community Affairs Policy Council; service on various appropriations committees; Executive Women Awardee; Florida Director for National Foundation for Women Legislators; Executive Board Member, National Black Caucus of State Legislators; Florida Commission on Human Relations .