NewsWSVN 7 MiamiAugust 25, 2026Miami-Dade
Byron Donalds selects State Sen. Bryan Avila as running mate for Florida governor
Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds has named State Sen. Bryan Avila as his lieutenant governor running mate. The pair will campaign on a platform focused on tax reduction, affordability, education, and parental rights ahead of the November election.
Read the full story at WSVN 7 MiamiWhy It Matters
The selection finalizes the Republican ticket for the upcoming Florida election, setting the stage for a contest against the Democratic ticket of David Jolly and Gwen Graham.
Key Facts
- Byron Donalds (47) announced State Sen. Bryan Avila (42) as his running mate.
- The announcement took place at the Freedom Tower in Miami.
- Bryan Avila is a former Army National Guard captain elected to the Florida House in 2014 and the State Senate in 2022.
- The Republican ticket will campaign on lower taxes, affordability, education, parental rights, and a business-friendly economy.
- The Republican candidates will face Democratic opponents David Jolly and Gwen Graham in the November election.
- David Jolly issued a statement questioning the focus of the Republican campaign in relation to Donald Trump.
Who's Mentioned
personByron Donalds“Republican candidate for Florida governor”personGwen Graham“Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor”locationFreedom Tower“Site of the campaign announcement”personBryan Avila“State Senator and Republican nominee for lieutenant governor”personDavid Jolly“Democratic candidate for Florida governor”personDonald Trump“Referenced by David Jolly regarding the campaign”