Byron Donalds Picks Cuban Veteran Running Mate | US News

Byron Donalds, Florida’s Republican gubernatorial candidate, has picked Bryan Avila—a Cuban American military veteran and state senator—as his running mate, signaling a bold push against socialism and a strategic play to energize Latino voters. Avila, son of Cuban exiles and captain in the Florida National Guard, brings deep personal stakes and legislative experience, especially in South Florida’s pivotal Miami-Dade County. Donalds framed Avila as a “proven warrior” in a fight against what he calls a failed liberal agenda, while also countering Democratic opponent David Jolly, who recently switched parties and is now facing accusations of being a “Trojan horse” for progressive policies. With Democrats energized and Republicans holding registration advantages, this pick could reshape Florida’s political landscape—and spotlight the GOP’s growing focus on socialism as a central issue. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/d6302913eb961323