Republicans unsurprisingly are all on board with the selection of state Sen. Bryan Ávila as the running mate for gubernatorial nominee Byron Donalds.
Donalds made the announcement at the Freedom Tower in South Florida.
“Senator Avila is a good dude. I’ve always appreciated his service in the National Guard,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis, in the latest signal that the GOP has come together ahead of the General Election 10 weeks away.
Ávila, who has been in the Guard for nine years and is currently a Captain, carried priority bills to the Governor, including the “Stop WOKE Act” in 2022, and data center legislation this year to shield ratepayers from utility costs.
DeSantis endorsed Ávila for the Senate to fill an opening left when the Governor picked Manny Diaz to be Education Commissioner.
Other Republicans are also enthusiastic.
“Great pick,” said U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, who has been a regular presence with Donalds on the trail for months.
U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack, who had been considered as Donalds’ running mate in a move that could have reassured rural voters who went elsewhere in the Primary, praised the “strong Florida ticket.”
“Bryan’s family fled communist Cuba in search of freedom, and his life has been defined by service to the country that gave them a new beginning. The Donalds-Avila ticket is ready to defend the Florida Dream and keep the Free State of Florida leading America,” the North Florida Congresswoman said.
U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis hailed Ávila as a “strong conservative fighter who will defend the Florida Dream, protect our freedoms, and keep Florida the greatest state in America!”
CFO Blaise Ingoglia also was excited: Bryan Avila is a fighter who understands what it takes to deliver results for Florida. His record of leadership and his experience serving the people of Florida make him an excellent choice to join Byron Donalds on the ticket.”
Florida Senate President Ben Albritton called Ávila an “incredible choice … a trusted Senator, a great Floridian and an exceptional human being!”
State Rep. Danny Nix said Ávila “brings legislative experience, military service and a proven conservative record to the table” and that “Donalds-Avila is a powerhouse ticket built to keep Florida strong, prosperous and FREE!”
“Democrats around the country are embracing democratic socialism. Florida is choosing a different path. Donalds and Avila believe in freedom, opportunity, security and the American Dream. That’s the choice. That’s the future,” said state Rep. Toby Overdorf.
State Rep. Meg Weinberger, who was on the LG shortlist, called Ávila an “incredible choice.”
Florida GOP Chair Evan Power said “Bryan’s story is Florida’s story.”
“After seeing firsthand how destructive the policies of the left can be, and as millions of Americans are determined to protect the freedoms we enjoy in Florida from the failed socialist policies they or their families left behind, Brian Avila is the right choice for this moment. That is why Republicans now hold a more than 1.5 million voter advantage in Florida — and why that advantage continues to grow,” Power added.
Former state legislator and current Pinellas County Commissioner Chris Latvala said Ávila was an “excellent choice.”
Former Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera is also on board with the “great choice,” saying he’s known Ávila “since he was a candidate to succeed me in the Florida House and I look forward to him being a successor as LG.”
“I had the privilege of serving alongside Bryan, and he is a principled conservative who knows Florida and its people. This is a strong ticket that will build on the blueprint behind Florida’s success story,” predicted former Florida House Speaker Chris Sprowls.
Former Miami Mayor Francis Suarez deemed Ávila “a strong and courageous leader who will serve Florida well.”