NewsCreative Loafing TampaAugust 26, 2026Hillsborough
Florida Gun Rights group opposes Byron Donalds' selection of Bryan Avila as running mate
The advocacy group Florida Gun Rights has publicly expressed opposition to state Senator Bryan Avila's selection as a running mate for Byron Donalds. The group cites Avila's 2018 vote in the Florida House for gun-safety legislation passed in the wake of the Parkland school shooting as the reason for their concern.
Read the full story at Creative Loafing TampaWhy It Matters
The disagreement highlights internal tensions within the Florida Republican political landscape regarding past legislative records on firearm regulation.
Key Facts
- Byron Donalds selected state Senator Bryan Avila as his running mate.
- Florida Gun Rights opposes the selection of Bryan Avila.
- The opposition is based on Avila's 2018 vote for gun-safety legislation while serving in the Florida House.
- The 2018 legislation was passed following the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.
Who's Mentioned
personRon DeSantis“Florida Governor”personBen Albritton“Florida Senate President”organizationFlorida Gun Rights“Advocacy group expressing concern over the selection”organizationGun Owners of America“Second Amendment organization”personByron Donalds“Gubernatorial candidate selecting a running mate”other17“Number of people killed in Parkland massacre”personBryan Avila“State Senator and selected running mate”personBlaise Ingoglia“CFO supporting the ticket”personLuis Valdes“Florida director of Gun Owners of America”personRick Scott“Former Governor who pushed the 2018 legislation”personJames Uthmeier“AG supporting the ticket”