Florida Republican Party Chairman Evan Power issued formal congratulations Tuesday to State Senator Bryan Avila following his selection as the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor alongside gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds.
The endorsement came shortly after Donalds introduced Avila during a campaign appearance at Miami’s historic Freedom Tower. Power pledged the state party’s full backing behind the newly formed ticket.
“Byron Donalds made an outstanding choice in Bryan Avila,” Power said. “Bryan is a soldier, a patriot, and a proven conservative who understands that freedom is never guaranteed and is always worth fighting for.”
Power emphasized Avila’s family background and public service record in his remarks.
“Bryan was born in Florida after his parents fled Cuba’s communist regime in pursuit of freedom,” Power said. “He has carried that legacy of service throughout his life, serving our country in uniform and fighting for Florida families in Tallahassee. He is exactly the kind of leader we need standing beside Byron Donalds.”
Power added that the selection aligns with the party’s broader message across the state. “Bryan’s story is Florida’s story,” Power said. “After seeing firsthand how destructive the policies of the left can be, and as millions of Americans are determined to protect the freedoms we enjoy in Florida from the failed socialist policies they or their families left behind, Bryan Avila is the right choice for this moment. That is why Republicans now hold a more than 1.5 million voter advantage in Florida — and why that advantage continues to grow. We are united, energized, and ready to put the full force of the Republican Party of Florida behind the Donalds-Avila ticket and deliver a massive Republican victory this November.”
Avila, an educator, Academic Dean at Doral College School of Criminal Justice, and a Captain in the Florida Army National Guard, was elected to the Florida House in 2014—eventually serving as Speaker pro tempore—before winning a seat in the Florida Senate in 2022. During his legislative tenure, he chaired tax and finance committees, sponsored the Stop W.O.K.E. Act, and worked on property tax relief and utility rate measures.
Donalds commended his new running mate’s military and legislative record during the Miami rollout.
“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.”
Accepting the nomination, Avila noted that the campaign’s focus will center on affordability, public safety, and conservative governance.
“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.”
Avila resides in Miami Springs with his wife, Cindy, and their two children. The campaign stated that Donalds and Avila will focus on lowering the cost of living, keeping taxes low, expanding school choice, and supporting law enforcement.
READ: Byron Donalds Taps State Sen. Bryan Avila For Florida Lt. Governor Running Mate
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