Date of birth: Oct. 28, 1978
Residence: Naples, Fla.
Occupation: financial adviser
Education: B.A., Florida State University
Family: wife, Erika; three sons
Byron Donalds will represent Florida’s 19th Congressional District after beating Democratic opponent Cindy Banyai. He will replace Rep. Francis Rooney (R-Fla.), who did not run for reelection.
Alongside Rep-elect Burgess Owens in Utah, Donalds will be one of only two African American members of the Republican House caucus. He is the third Black Republican to represent Florida in the House.
Originally from Brooklyn, N.Y., Donalds has served in the Florida House of Representatives since 2016. According to his campaign website, he has focused on issues affecting the elderly, such as financial abuse, as well as the environment and gun rights.
Donalds was a vocal supporter of President Trump throughout the race. His campaign hit a speed bump in October when he tested positive for COVID-19 shortly before he was set to appear at an event with the president in Fort Meyers.
“I’m blessed and highly favored, honestly,” Donalds said following his victory in November. “Southwest Florida has always been great to me, and I’m just glad to have the opportunity to represent them in Congress.”
– Joseph Choi