Byron Donalds Selects State Sen. Bryan Avila as Florida Gubernatorial Running Mate
Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds has announced State Sen. Bryan Avila as his running mate for the Florida governor's race. Avila, a lawmaker from Miami-Dade County and a captain in the Florida Army National Guard, has served in the Florida Legislature since 2014, initially in the House of Representatives before winning a Senate seat in 2022 and being re-elected in 2024. Donalds praised Avila for his legislative record, which includes sponsoring the 'Stop Woke Act,' defending individual liberty, and opposing divisive DEI agendas. Avila has also been noted for his efforts to combat excessive property taxes, deliver relief, cut everyday costs, and protect families from high utility bills related to data centers. The announcement was made at the Freedom Tower in Miami, a location chosen to highlight Avila's background as the son of Cuban exiles and to draw a contrast with Democratic candidates, whom Donalds characterized as embracing socialism. Avila himself emphasized his family's experience f...