Byron Donalds Selects Cuban-American Senator as Running Mate in Florida Governor Race

Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds, who has received the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, has chosen state senator Bryan Ávila, a Cuban-American, as his running mate for the upcoming November 3 elections. Donalds will face off against Democrat David Jolly in the race.

The announcement was made at the Freedom Tower in downtown Miami, a venue rich with symbolism. This landmark served as a Cuban Refugee Center from 1962 to 1974, providing aid to countless Cubans fleeing Fidel Castro's oppressive regime. It's often referred to as the "Ellis Island of the South."

A Legacy of Cuban Exile

Ávila, a 42-year-old native of Hialeah, is the son of Cuban exiles who left their homeland and business behind in search of freedom. During the announcement, Ávila drew upon his family's past with heartfelt words:

"My parents escaped communist Cuba, leaving their home and business behind because they understood the consequences of government control. When freedom vanishes and socialism turns opportunity into despair," he stated, according to a transcript shared by One America News.

Ávila emphasized the significance of the venue: "Standing here at the Freedom Tower is an honor. This place is a beacon of liberty, where my parents, like many of you, found freedom in this great state of Florida."

He further committed to the audience: "Socialism—our families have lived its repercussions. I assure you this: with Byron Donalds as governor and myself as lieutenant governor, socialism will never find a home in this great state of Florida."

Donalds' Perspective on His Choice

In a post on X, Donalds praised Ávila as "a dedicated military officer and public servant who has devoted his career to defending freedom and reducing costs. As the son of Cuban exiles, he understands the Florida Dream and why we must protect it. I'm proud to have him by my side."

During the event, Donalds expanded on this depiction: "Bryan is a conservative fighter with over a decade in the Florida legislature, achieving real results. He battled woke ideology, sponsored the Stop WOKE Act, and championed merit, individual liberty, and dismantling divisive diversity, equity, and inclusion agendas."

Contrasting with his Democratic opponent, Donalds was unequivocal: "Jolly and Gwen Graham answer to the Democratic Socialists of America. We answer to the people of Florida."

Ávila's Legislative Journey in Florida

Ávila began his political career in the Florida House of Representatives in 2014, serving until 2022 when he was elected unopposed to the Florida Senate, representing District 39, which includes parts of Miami-Dade.

During his tenure in the House, he served as the president pro tempore and was the primary sponsor of the Stop WOKE Act. In the Senate, he chairs the Finance and Tax Committee and serves as the vice-chair of the Transportation Committee.

Apart from his legislative duties, Ávila holds the rank of captain in the Florida Army National Guard, where he has led troops during hurricanes and state emergencies. He is also an educator and an academic dean.

A Strategic Move in Miami-Dade

Ávila's addition to the ticket is a strategic move aimed at strengthening support among Hispanic voters in South Florida, particularly in Miami-Dade, the state's most populous county.

Donalds secured the Republican primary on August 18, garnering approximately 47.8% of the vote. The November election will determine the successor to Governor Ron DeSantis, who is ineligible for a third consecutive term.

Cuba remains a central theme in Donalds' campaign. He has condemned the Cuban government as a "brutal and murderous communist dictatorship" and vowed to uphold Trump's and Rubio's policies of pressure on the island.

Should the Donalds-Ávila ticket succeed in November, Donalds would make history as Florida's first Black governor and potentially the first Black Republican governor elected in the United States.