Byron Donalds picks state Sen. Bryan Ávila as running mate in Florida governor race
Rep. Byron Donalds announced state Senator Bryan Ávila as his lieutenant governor choice ahead of a showdown with Democrat David Jolly.
After prevailing in the Republican primary for Florida governor, Rep. Byron Donalds introduced state Senator Bryan Ávila as his lieutenant governor candidate. Donalds defeated Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, former House Speaker Paul Renner and outsider James Fishback to claim the nomination. He praised Ávila as a "conservative fighter" who has consistently opposed "woke ideology," higher taxes and rising costs.
The newly formed ticket now prepares to contest the general election against Democratic nominee David Jolly. Analysts suggest the contest could be tightly fought even as Florida has drifted toward solid Republican support in national elections. The announcement was made on Tuesday, with coverage noting the strategic pairing.
Why it matters
The choice of running mate shapes the Republican ticket ahead of a potentially close Florida governor race.
How this story developed
- Aug 18 Florida primaries pit Trump-backed hopefuls against diverse Democratic challengers
- Aug 18 Byron Donalds announced his run for governor, triggering a crowded primary for his congressional seat.
- Aug 22 Former Republican David Jolly secured the Democratic nomination for governor.
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