Byron Donalds picks state Sen. Bryan Avila as running mate for Florida governor bid

# What happened U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, the Republican nominee for Florida governor, announced state Sen. Bryan Avila of Miami as his running mate on Aug. 25, 2026. If Donalds wins the Nov. 3 general election, Avila would become the state's lieutenant governor.

# Who is Bryan Avila

Avila serves as a captain in the Florida National Guard and is dean of the School of Criminal Justice at Doral College, a private institution that opened in 2012 and had 559 students as of fall 2024. He is the son of Cuban immigrants who fled the communist government.

# Avila Donalds highlighted Avila's family history and immigration background at a Miami news event held at the Freedom Tower, a site significant to Cuban immigrants. He contrasted Avila's story with the Democratic ticket of former U.S. Rep. David Jolly and running mate Gwen Graham, linking them politically to U.S. Senate nominee Angie Nixon and the Democratic Socialists of America.

Donalds described Avila as a "proven warrior" to join his campaign.

# Policy highlights and legislative record

Avila addressed cost-of-living concerns directly at the announcement, focusing on driving down prices and helping young Floridians buy their first homes.

# Campaign context and responses Donalds used the selection to draw a distinction with Democrats, emphasizing immigration history and accusing the Jolly-Graham ticket of answering to broader socialist forces tied to Angie Nixon. Jolly and Graham have rejected the "socialist" label.

Jolly posted congratulations to Avila on X but said the campaign will hinge on Donalds' relationship with former President Donald Trump as the race moves into the final 70 days before the general election.

# What this adds to the race Avila's background aims to strengthen Donalds' appeal in South Florida's Cuban-American community, underscore pro-military credentials through his National Guard service, and provide a legislative record on energy and tax measures that the campaign can present to voters concerned about housing, inflation and utility costs.

# Next steps November. Expect both parties to emphasize contrasts on economic issues, ties to national political figures, and the role of energy and housing policy in voter decisions this fall.