The state senator Bryan Ávila, Republican candidate for lieutenant governor of Florida, sent a direct message to Cubans who are suffering from blackouts and economic crisis on the Island, as well as to those living in a migratory limbo in the United States: “do not lose hope.”
He did so in an interview with journalist Javier Díaz from Univision 23 Miami, the first he has granted to a Spanish-language media outlet since his nomination.
Ávila, 42 years old and son of Cuban exiles discussed three main topics in the conversation: the situation of Cubans without permanent residency, the stance of the Byron Donalds-Ávila duo towards the Cuban regime, and his vision for the state of Florida.
In response to the question about Cubans who still do not have legal documents and live in fear of being deported, he was direct: "I would tell them not to lose hope, to continue with the legal process."
Regarding the crisis in Cuba, he promised continuity in the hardline approach: "The next governor of the state, Byron Donalds will continue with that firm hand." He went further by stating the stance of the ticket: "We will maintain the position that there will be no home in Florida for socialism."
For Ávila, the issue of freedom is not mere electoral rhetoric. "Freedom is not just a political theme; it is rather something personal," he stated, directly referencing his family history. His parents left Cuba, leaving behind their home and business, and in the United States, they worked as a truck driver and a secretary to support their family.
The senator also spoke about his legislative career when asked what he would bring to the future governor: "I have dedicated my life to serving Florida. I have had the privilege of serving the residents of my community, both in the House of Representatives and in the Senate."
Ávila wasnominated as Donalds' running mate on August 25 at the Tower of Freedom in Miami - a building that served as a Cuban Refugee Center between 1962 and 1974 - a deliberately symbolic venue for the Cuban-American community. Regarding how his family received the news, he said: "The whole family is very happy and very proud of the nomination and also of the campaign we are forming."
Donalds won the Republican primary in August with about 47.8% of the votes and will compete on November 3 against the Democrat David Jolly, who is accompanied by Gwen Graham. The contest will determine the successor of Governor Ron DeSantis, who cannot run for a third consecutive term.
If the Republican formula succeeds, Donalds would become the first African American governor of Florida and Ávila would assume the vice governorship of the state.
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