Byron Donalds

Byron Donalds is a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Florida's 19th Congressional District since 2021. Born and raised in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, Donalds attended Florida A&M University before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in finance and marketing from Florida State University in 2002. Prior to his political career, he worked extensively in the banking, finance, and insurance industries, holding roles as a commercial credit officer and portfolio manager. Donalds began his political career in the Florida House of Representatives, where he served from 2016 to 2020. During his tenure in the state legislature, he chaired the Insurance and Banking Subcommittee and the PreK-12 Quality Subcommittee, focusing on issues such as criminal justice reform and school choice. In 2020, he was elected to Congress to succeed Francis Rooney. His profile in the Republican Party grew significantly in 2023 when he emerged as a nominee for Speaker of the House during the 118th Congress. In 2025, Donalds announced his candidacy for the 2026 Florida gubernatorial election.

Donalds is a staunch conservative whose policy positions align closely with the 'Make America Great Again' movement. On economic issues, he advocates for lower taxes, deregulation, and the reduction of government spending to combat inflation; he also supports transforming Florida into a global financial hub. He is a strong proponent of school choice and charter schools, having helped found the Mason Classical Academy in Naples, and he frequently opposes what he terms 'woke ideology' in public education. Regarding immigration, Donalds supports strict border security measures, increased cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE, and the implementation of mass deportation policies for undocumented immigrants. His environmental platform includes support for Everglades restoration and water quality improvements, though he has expressed skepticism toward renewable energy sources like wind and solar, citing concerns over their reliability for baseload power. In foreign policy, he takes a hardline stance against the regimes in Cuba, Iran, and Venezuela, while emphasizing the importance of strong military alliances. Socially, he maintains a pro-life stance and is a firm supporter of Second Amendment rights.