Republican gubernatorial nominee Byron Donalds has selected Florida State Senator Bryan Avila as his running mate for lieutenant governor, pairing the congressman with a veteran state lawmaker and military officer.
Donalds announced the selection in Miami, praising Avila’s legislative record, military background, and family roots.
“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. “The son of Cuban exiles who fled communism for freedom, Bryan understands that the Florida Dream is worth fighting for. He has stood with Governor DeSantis to defend our freedoms, fought to lower costs for hardworking families, and answered the call to serve our state and country in uniform. I am proud to have him by my side as we fight for Florida’s future.”
Avila, born and raised in Hialeah, is the son of Adrian and Rosa Maria Avila, who fled communist Cuba. He entered the Florida House of Representatives in 2014, where he served as Speaker pro tempore and led several tax and budget committees. In 2022, he won election to the Florida Senate, where he currently chairs the Committee on Finance and Tax.
During his tenure in the Legislature, Avila sponsored the state’s Stop W.O.K.E. Act and backed measures focused on property-tax relief, government oversight, and utility-rate protections related to large-scale data centers.
“I am deeply honored to join Byron Donalds and accept the Republican nomination for Lieutenant Governor,” Avila said. “My parents escaped communist Cuba because they believed America offered something socialism never could — freedom and the opportunity to build a better future for their children. Today, Cindy and I are raising our own children here in Florida, and this fight is personal. Byron and I will 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.”
Beyond his legislative duties, Avila serves as a captain in the Florida Army National Guard. His military assignments have included deployments for hurricane recovery efforts, command of multiple units, and support operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. In higher education, he works as an educator and academic dean at the Doral College School of Criminal Justice.
Avila lives in Miami Springs with his wife, Cindy, and their two children. The Donalds-Avila ticket plans to center its campaign on lowering taxes and living costs, supporting law enforcement, expanding school choice, and maintaining conservative economic and educational policies statewide.
READ: Florida Rep. Byron Donalds PAC Targets David Jolly On Taxes In New Campaign Ad
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