Byron Donalds, the Republican nominee for Florida governor, has chosen state Senator Bryan Avila as his running mate for the November election, announcing the selection at Miami’s Freedom Tower on Tuesday morning. Avila, a 42-year-old veteran with the Florida Army National Guard and longtime Tallahassee lawmaker, represents Cuban-majority Miami communities and brings military and legislative experience to the Republican ticket.
“Bryan Avila is a proven conservative, a dedicated public servant, a military officer, and most importantly, a husband and father who understands exactly what is at stake for Florida families,” Donalds said at the event. “The son of Cuban exiles who fled communism for freedom, Bryan understands that the Florida Dream is worth fighting for.”
Avila was born and raised in Hialeah and has served in both the Florida House and Florida Senate. He identifies himself as an American-first conservative and was recognized by the American Conservative Union as the “Most Conservative Member of the Legislature in 2024.” His parents escaped Cuba seeking freedom and opportunity, a personal history that mirrors the experience of many Cuban-American voters in South Florida.
The selection of Avila reflects a strategic effort to strengthen Donalds’ appeal in Miami-Dade County, where Hispanic voters represent a significant portion of the electorate. Political analysts noted that Donalds, who won the Republican primary for governor on August 18, would benefit from a running mate with deep roots in the Cuban-American community and military credentials.
Avila said in his acceptance remarks that he and Donalds would “build on Governor DeSantis’ conservative legacy, make Florida more affordable for working families, keep our communities safe and defend the freedom that has made our state the envy of the nation.” He is married with two children and lives in Miami Springs.
Donalds will face Democrat David Jolly, who won the Democratic primary for governor, in the November general election. The race to replace term-limited Governor Ron DeSantis is expected to be highly competitive, with both campaigns competing for support across Florida’s diverse regions and voter demographics.
Sources
- CBS Miami — Donalds’ announcement of Avila as running mate at Freedom Tower, with direct quotes from both candidates.
- Tallahassee.com — Avila’s background, military service, legislative record, and American Conservative Union recognition.
- Miami Herald — Strategic context on the selection and its appeal to Hispanic voters in Miami-Dade County.
- USA Today Network – Florida — Avila’s biography and role in the gubernatorial ticket.
