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Byron Donalds selects Bryan Avila as running mate for Florida gubernatorial race

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds announced his running mate for the Florida governor's race on Tuesday at Miami's Freedom Tower. He selected State Sen. Bryan Avila, a veteran and Hialeah lawmaker, to serve as his lieutenant governor candidate. The selection aims to bolster the Republican ticket's appeal to Hispanic voters in the populous Miami-Dade County, a key battleground for the November general election. Byron Donalds entered the race with the endorsement of President Trump, aiming to become Florida's first Black governor. He highlighted Avila's military service and conservative credentials, noting that Avila was recognized as the 'most conservative member of the Legislature' in 2024. Avila, whose parents fled communist Cuba, brings a deep connection to the investment of South Florida's Cuban and Latin populations. The Republican ticket seeks to counter Democratic candidates David Jolly and Gwen Graham, who are being framed as pushing socialist ideals. By selecting Avila, the administration's primary goal is to secure the engaged Hispanic vote while maintaining a focus on conservative values like tax cuts and insurance reform.

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