Lydia Hudson’s upbringing in Florida’s public schools instilled in her a commitment to public education and civic engagement—values reinforced by her mother’s insistence on weekly church attendance and the importance of voting. Her early campaign work began with volunteering on Arthenia Joyner’s State House race, followed by extensive service on Barack Obama’s presidential campaigns, which further inspired her to expand her advocacy.

She went on to serve as Faith Captain for Obama’s reelection, Vice Chair and Interim Chair of the Hillsborough Democratic Executive Committee, Vice Chair of the Florida Democratic Party, and President of the Democratic Black Caucus of Florida (2017–2021). Today, Lydia is Chair of the Florida Democratic Party Judicial Council and Lead State Committeewoman for the Hillsborough County DEC. She resides in Tampa and is an active member of Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church.