In a Miami press event on August 25, 2026, Republican U.S. Representative Byron Donalds introduced State Senator Bryan Avila as his choice for lieutenant governor. Donalds highlighted Avila’s long‑standing conservative voting record, his service as a captain in the Florida Army National Guard, and his role as a husband and father.
Avila’s Legislative and Military Background
Born and raised in Hialeah, Avila is the son of Cuban exiles who fled communism. He entered the Florida House of Representatives in 2014, serving as Speaker pro tempore and chairing several tax and budget committees. In 2022 he won election to the Florida Senate, where he now chairs the Committee on Finance and Tax.
During his time in the Legislature, Avila sponsored the state’s Stop W.O.K.E. Act and backed measures aimed at property‑tax relief, government oversight, and utility‑rate protections for large data‑center projects. He also supports expanding school choice and protecting law‑enforcement resources.
Campaign Priorities
The Donalds‑Avila ticket says its platform will focus on lowering taxes and living costs for working families, expanding school‑choice options, supporting law‑enforcement, and preserving conservative economic and educational policies across Florida. Both candidates cite Governor Ron DeSantis’ legacy as a model for their agenda.
Personal Commitment to Florida Families
Avila, who lives in Miami Springs with his wife Cindy and their two children, said the ticket’s mission is personal. “My parents escaped communist Cuba because they believed America offered something socialism never could — freedom and the opportunity to build a better future for their children,” he said. “Today, we are raising our own children here in Florida, and this fight is personal.”
In addition to his legislative duties, Avila serves as a captain in the Florida Army National Guard, participating in hurricane‑recovery missions, unit command, and COVID‑19 support operations. He also works as an educator and academic dean at Doral College’s School of Criminal Justice.
Implications for the 2026 Election
The announcement positions the Donalds‑Avila ticket as a clear alternative to the Democratic slate, emphasizing family values, economic freedom, and public safety. Their combined experience in Congress, the state legislature, and the military is intended to appeal to voters who prioritize constitutional liberty, traditional families, and faith‑based community life.
Florida’s Republican Party has already begun rallying support for the ticket, with party chair Evan Power praising Avila’s selection as a “strong, proven conservative who understands what Floridians need.” The campaign will roll out statewide over the coming months, targeting key swing counties and urban centers while maintaining a focus on grassroots outreach.
As the 2026 gubernatorial race intensifies, the Donalds‑Avila partnership underscores the Republican strategy of pairing a national‑level congressional figure with a seasoned state legislator and military officer to broaden appeal across the state’s diverse electorate.
Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.
