NewsWUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Local & State)August 25, 2026Hillsborough
Byron Donalds and David Jolly announce lieutenant governor running mates
Florida gubernatorial candidates Byron Donalds and David Jolly have officially selected their running mates for the upcoming election. Republican candidate Byron Donalds has chosen Bryan Avila, while Democratic candidate David Jolly has selected Gwen Graham.
Read the full story at WUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Local & State)Why It Matters
The selection of lieutenant governor candidates determines the potential executive leadership team for the state of Florida, influencing the administration's policy priorities and governance approach if elected.
Key Facts
- Byron Donalds (Republican) has selected Bryan Avila as his lieutenant governor running mate.
- David Jolly (Democrat) has selected Gwen Graham as his lieutenant governor running mate.
- Both major-party gubernatorial candidates have now finalized their running mate selections.
Who's Mentioned
personRon DeSantis“Current Florida Governor”personGwen Graham“Former congresswoman and Jolly's running mate”personByron Donalds“U.S. Representative and GOP gubernatorial nominee”personBryan Avila“State Senator and selected lieutenant governor nominee”personJeanette Nuñez“Former Lieutenant Governor”personJay Collins“State Senator and former Lieutenant Governor”personDavid Jolly“Democratic gubernatorial candidate”personLawton Chiles“Former Governor”personBuddy MacKay“Former Lieutenant Governor who assumed office in 1998”locationFlorida“State where the election is taking place”personBob Graham“Former Governor”