TALLAHASSEE – Today, Republican gubernatorial nominee Byron Donalds named Florida state Senator Bryan Ávila as his running mate.

In response, Florida Watch Executive Director Natasha Sutherland released the following statement:

“Voters deserve to know who Bryan Ávila is: a politician who voted to spend $5.5 million of your taxpayer dollars to rename Palm Beach International Airport after Donald Trump while doing nothing to lower your costs, raise your wages, or help you afford to build the better life you have earned so you can achieve your version of the American Dream.

“Today’s selection makes clear that Byron Donalds has no intention of making life more affordable for Florida families and seniors. Donalds has pushed an agenda that has helped the rich get richer while working families and seniors struggle to get ahead, and now he’s chosen a running mate who built his career on the same failed ideology.

“At a time when families are struggling with the skyrocketing costs of gas, groceries, and everyday essentials, Floridians don’t need another rubber stamp for an agenda that puts corporate interests and partisan political priorities ahead of their needs.

“Make no mistake: Bryan Ávila is just more of the same failed leadership that has refused to deliver on their promise of affordability to Floridians.”

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Florida Watch is a communications and research organization that serves as the progressive community’s in-state hub for message development, digital communications, and research. Florida Watch keeps an eye on everything that goes on in our state to hold our elected officials accountable when they support laws and policies that make it harder for everyday Floridians to be healthy, prosperous, and safe. You can follow along with Florida Watch on social media on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.