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Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds announced Monday that State Sen. Bryan Ávila will serve as his running mate in Florida’s November election. The 42-year-old Hialeah legislator, who has positioned himself as the Legislature’s most conservative member, brings a military background to the ticket as a Florida Army National Guard captain with nearly a decade of service.
Donalds emphasized Ávila’s military credentials and commitment to conservative principles as key factors in selecting him for the ticket. The announcement took place at Miami’s Freedom Tower, a historic site that processed Cuban refugees fleeing communist rule—a symbolic location given Ávila’s family history of escaping Cuba.
Ávila highlighted his family’s experience during the announcement, noting that his parents abandoned their home and business to flee communist Cuba. “Socialism turns opportunity into misery,” Ávila stated, underscoring a central campaign theme for the Republican ticket.
Democratic opponent David Jolly quickly responded to the announcement, congratulating Ávila but arguing that the election would hinge on Donalds’ relationship with President Donald Trump rather than his choice of running mate. Jolly is running alongside lieutenant governor candidate Gwen Graham.
Gov. Ron DeSantis endorsed the pairing via social media, calling Ávila “a good dude” and praising his National Guard service. Miami-Dade County, with 1.28 million registered voters, represents Florida’s most populous county and remains crucial to statewide races amid ongoing debates over immigration and cost of living.
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