Miami‑Springs state Senator Bryan Avila stepped onto the stage Tuesday as the Republican Party unveiled its ticket for the 2026 Florida governor’s race. Avila, a captain in the Florida Army National Guard, will run as the lieutenant‑governor candidate alongside U.S. Representative Byron Donalds.
Conservative credentials front and center
Avila emphasized his long‑standing alignment with Governor Ron DeSantis’ agenda. He has consistently voted for the Stop Woke Act, backed the parental‑rights in education bill often dubbed the “don’t say gay” legislation, and supported restrictions on classroom content that conflict with traditional family values. Most recently, he sponsored the bill that placed a property‑tax cut on the November ballot, a measure aimed at easing the financial burden on Florida families.
In addition to his legislative work, Avila has taken a leading role in the state’s fight against the proliferation of artificial‑intelligence data centers, arguing that unchecked growth could threaten both privacy and local resources.
Personal background and community ties
Avila has served in the Florida Senate since 2022 after eight years in the Florida House of Representatives beginning in 2014. Outside of public service, he is a real‑estate investor, a husband, and a father of two. His bilingual ability is highlighted as an asset for reaching the state’s 2.5 million registered Hispanic voters.
During his remarks, Avila said, “As lieutenant governor, I will work every single day with Byron Donalds to ensure that we build on that conservative legacy.” He also called for the repeal of Florida’s red‑light‑camera law, arguing that the revenue generated is not being directed toward traffic safety improvements.
Democratic ticket counterpart
On the Democratic side, former U.S. Representative David Jolly selected former education official Gwen Graham as his running mate. Graham, who served as the assistant U.S. secretary of education and represented Florida’s 2nd congressional district from 2015 to 2017, is an attorney, a mother of three, and the daughter of former Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham.
The contrasting tickets underscore the ideological divide shaping Florida’s upcoming election. While the Republican duo stresses limited government, parental authority in education, and tax relief, the Democratic ticket is likely to emphasize expanded educational funding and broader social programs.
What voters can expect
Florida’s electorate will soon receive more detailed platforms from both tickets, outlining how each candidate plans to address issues ranging from school curricula to infrastructure and public safety. With the primary filing deadline approaching, the race is set to intensify as candidates court key demographic groups, including the state’s sizable Hispanic community.
Avila’s blend of military service, legislative experience, and business background positions him as a candidate who can appeal to both traditional conservatives and voters seeking pragmatic governance. As the campaign season unfolds, Florida’s voters will weigh whether his record on education, taxation, and technology aligns with their vision for the state’s future.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
