Key facts
- Byron Donalds selected Florida legislator Bryan Ávila as his running mate.
- Ávila sponsored legislation offering property tax breaks to low-income seniors.
- Ávila also sponsored a law that limited local governments' power to block demolition of older, flood-vulnerable buildings.
- Donalds is framing the election with an anti-communist message, targeting Democrats.
- The selection aims to bolster support in Miami-Dade County, a key battleground.
- Donalds could become Florida's first Black governor if elected.
Byron Donalds, a candidate for Florida governor, has selected Florida legislator Bryan Ávila as his running mate, leaning into an anti-communist message. Donalds aims to tie his Democratic opponent, former Rep. David Jolly, to the "far left," labeling him a "Trojan horse."
Ávila, 42, previously served in the Florida House and ran for the state Senate. He sponsored legislation that provided property tax breaks for low-income seniors and a 2024 law that limited local governments' ability to block the demolition of certain older, flood-vulnerable buildings. Ávila is also the dean of the School of Criminal Justice at Doral College.
The selection of Ávila, who is Black, makes the Republican ticket more racially diverse. Donalds would be the first Black governor of Florida if elected. The choice also underscores the importance of Miami-Dade County, which has seen a Republican shift in recent elections.
Donalds secured the GOP nomination with approximately 48% of the vote, while Jolly won the Democratic side with 61%. Polling data is limited, but several surveys indicate the general election margin could be in the single digits.