Hialeah – Republican state Senator Bryan Avila, who represents District 39 in the Florida Senate, was announced on August 25 as the running mate for Rep. Byron Donalds, the winner of the GOP primary for governor. The selection was made public just days after Donalds secured the nomination, underscoring the campaign’s focus on experienced legislative leadership and outreach to veteran and Hispanic voters.
Legislative background
Avila has served in the Florida Legislature since 2014, first as a member of the Florida House of Representatives for eight years. While in the House, he rose to the position of Speaker Pro Tempore, a role that allowed him to preside over sessions in the speaker’s absence. In 2022 he won election to the Senate, where he now chairs the Finance and Tax Committee and serves as vice chair of the Transportation Committee.
During the 2026 session, Avila sponsored several bills that reflect his policy priorities. Senate Bill 832 addressed property‑insurance reforms, SB 484 focused on the development of data centers, and SB 1694 promoted technology education and artificial‑intelligence training in Florida schools. He also helped advance a property‑tax relief proposal (SJR 2‑F, HJR 1‑F) that would exempt up to $250,000 of a primary residence’s value from certain local taxes, while preserving school‑funding revenue. Voters will decide on the constitutional amendment in November.
Campaign involvement
Avila’s partnership with Donalds began well before the primary. Since September 2025 he has co‑chaired “Veterans for Byron,” a coalition aimed at rallying veteran support for Donalds’ gubernatorial bid. In May 2026 he joined Donalds in Hialeah for the launch of “Latinos for Byron,” a targeted outreach effort to Hispanic voters across the state.
The running‑mate announcement was made at a gathering in Hialeah, highlighting the campaign’s commitment to the Miami‑Dade region. Avila, a native of the area, is married to Cindy Gil and they have two children.
What the ticket means for voters
By selecting Avila, Donalds adds a seasoned lawmaker with a record on fiscal issues, transportation, and technology to his ticket. The partnership also signals a strategic appeal to both veteran communities and the growing Latino electorate in South Florida. The lieutenant‑governor candidate will appear on the ballot in November, and the ticket will need to secure a majority of the statewide vote to win the governorship.
Florida voters will also consider a separate constitutional amendment that would adjust local property‑tax calculations for primary homes. The measure, championed by Avila, seeks to provide tax relief without diminishing the funds that support public schools.
Looking ahead
As the campaign moves into the final months before the November election, Donalds and Avila will travel across the state, emphasizing conservative fiscal stewardship, support for law‑enforcement, and policies that they say protect families and individual liberty. The ticket’s success will depend on voter turnout, especially in key swing counties and among the veteran and Hispanic constituencies that Avila has helped mobilize.
Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.
