MIAMI — On Tuesday, Byron Donalds, the Republican nominee for Florida governor, announced that he has chosen state Sen. Bryan Ávila as his running mate. This strategic move aims to strengthen Donalds’ ties with Florida’s significant Hispanic community.
Ávila, a Republican representing Hialeah, a central hub for Florida’s Cuban community, has been actively leading the “Latinos for Byron” coalition since May. Donalds’ selection brings a partner with strong legislative connections, essential for advancing his agenda. Additionally, as a captain in the Florida Army National Guard, Ávila may attract veteran voters. His efforts to regulate data centers might also counter some criticisms aimed at Donalds.
“We choose common-sense, conservative leadership over the Democrats’ failed liberal agenda,” Donalds stated, emphasizing his desire for a proven ally in this critical campaign.
The announcement took place at Miami’s Freedom Tower, a historic landmark that once processed Cuban refugees fleeing communism and now serves as a museum. In recent elections, Democrats have struggled to maintain support among Latino voters in South Florida, as the GOP labels them as socialists and communists. This trend is expected to continue, especially since state Rep. Angie Nixon, the Democratic Senate nominee, recently joined the Democratic Socialists of America.
Addressing the crowd, Ávila highlighted the perils of communism, recounting his parents’ escape from Cuba for freedom. “You and I share a fundamental belief that the Democrats will never understand,” Ávila declared to Donalds. “Florida gave our families a chance, and now we are fighting to ensure every family in the state has the same opportunity to succeed.”
While Donalds faces off against David Jolly, a Democrat who joined the party just over a year ago, Republicans aim to link Democrats to the party’s leftist elements. Donalds has called Jolly a “Trojan horse” for the far left. Jolly, in response, issued a statement on Tuesday, arguing that the election will be more about Donalds’ connection to Donald Trump than his partnership with Ávila.
The ticket has drawn praise from DeSantis, who remains a popular figure among the base, and described Ávila as a “good dude” on X, commending his military background.
Donalds’ decision to partner with someone from Hialeah underscores the significance of Miami-Dade County, which has shifted from a Democratic stronghold to a Republican one under DeSantis and Trump. Currently, Republicans outnumber Democrats by 50,000 registered voters in the county.
However, the primary results from August 18 indicate potential challenges for the GOP, as Democratic turnout surpassed that of Republicans by over 22,000 votes. With a third of Miami-Dade’s voters registered as independents, the outcome remains uncertain. Donalds acknowledged the Democratic enthusiasm, stating, “We know that Democrat voters are motivated this cycle, that’s no secret to anybody.” Nonetheless, he emphasized the GOP’s focus on everyday issues and contrasting themselves with Democrats.
Donalds criticized Jolly for his lobbying background, portraying him as out of touch with the “real world.” He warned that Jolly’s leadership would make Florida resemble states like New York and Connecticut, rather than what Floridians desire.
Ávila, 42, expressed concern over Democrats “casually embracing socialism,” citing his family’s experiences. Prior to joining the state Senate, Ávila served in the Florida House and sponsored legislation benefiting low-income seniors with increased property tax breaks. Outside politics, he is the dean of the School of Criminal Justice at Doral College.
Ávila also proposed a law in 2024 that limits local authorities from preventing the demolition of certain older, flood-prone buildings. This legislation drew criticism from preservationists in Miami Beach, who fear it could endanger many historic structures.
Ávila’s selection makes the Republican ticket more racially diverse than the Democrats’, as Donalds could become Florida’s first Black governor if elected in November.
Under Florida law, Donalds had until nine days post-primary to announce his running mate. Jolly had previously chosen former Rep. Gwen Graham as his running mate. From the Miami stage, Donalds criticized the Democratic ticket as “the most boring and uninspiring ticket Florida Democrats could have ever put together.”
Donalds secured the GOP nomination with approximately 48 percent of the vote, while Jolly earned 61 percent on the Democratic side. While polling remains limited, several surveys indicate a tight general election race.
