Full Breakdown
Byron Donalds Picks State Sen. Bryan Avira as Lieutenant-Governor Nominee
8/25/2026, 9:17:59 PM
Announcement of the Ticket
On August 25, 2026, Republican gubernatorial nominee Byron Donalds announced at Miami’s Freedom Tower that State Sen. Bryan Avira would be his running mate. The event highlighted Avira’s Cuban-American heritage, his service as a captain in the Florida Army National Guard, and his legislative experience in both chambers of the Florida Legislature.
Background & Context
Donalds, a U.S. Representative from southwest Florida, secured the GOP nomination with roughly 48 % of the primary vote. His opponent, former Rep. David Jolly, won the Democratic primary with 61 %. Selecting Avira—a native of Hialeah and the son of Cuban exiles—targets the Hispanic electorate in Miami-Dade, where Republicans outnumber Democrats by about 50,000 registered voters.
The Freedom Tower, a historic site that once processed Cuban refugees, underscores the cultural resonance of the announcement for the Cuban-American community.
Data & Statistics
- Primary vote shares: Donalds ? 48 % (GOP); Jolly ? 61 % (Democratic).
- Voter registration in Miami-Dade: Republicans lead Democrats by ~50,000.
- Avira’s record: Sponsored a 2024 law expanding primary-home property-tax exemptions to $250,000; introduced data-center regulation (SB 484) and a “Stop WOKE” cultural-policy act.
Official Statements & Responses
Criticism & Opposition
Democratic nominee David Jolly argued the race will be decided by Donalds’ alignment with former President Donald Trump, not by the lieutenant-governor pick.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — May. Donalds.
- “I am deeply honored to join Byron Donalds and accept the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor,” — Sen. Bryan Avira.
- “He needs a Hispanic. He needs to fill the gap,” — Vanessa Brito, political data analyst.
- “I can assure you, socialism will never find a home in the great state of Florida,” — Sen. Bryan Avira.
- “I congratulate former state Sen. Bryan Avila... I wish him well. But, let's be honest: this race won't come down to Byron Donalds' relationship with Avila, it will come down to Byron's relationship with Donald Trump,” — Rep. David Jolly.
Why It Matters
The Donalds-Avira ticket combines a Southwest Florida congressional base with a high-profile Cuban-American legislator, aiming to broaden GOP appeal in a state where demographic shifts have turned South Florida into a battleground. If elected, Donalds would become Florida’s first Black governor, while Avira would bring legislative and veteran credentials to the lieutenant-governor role.
What’s Next
The ticket will embark on a statewide campaign, with scheduled stops in Sanford and St. Petersburg later on the day of the announcement. The general election is set for November 2026, when Florida voters decide whether the Republican ticket can retain the governor’s office and whether a constitutional amendment on property-tax exemptions will pass.
