This past Saturday marked the beginning of the final stretch in Florida's general election season, with two prominent candidates launching their campaigns in Miami-Dade County.
As reported by Local 10, Byron Donalds and Angie Nixon held simultaneous events aimed at winning over the Cuban-American community, which numbers over 1.6 million people in the greater metropolitan area.
Republican Strategy in Miami-Dade
Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds, alongside his running mate, State Senator Bryan Ávila, kicked off their campaign at a rally held at the Miami-Dade Republican Party headquarters.
"The future of Florida is at stake," Donalds told the crowd. "We have become the model for the other 49 states. We are the best state in the United States. Everyone knows it."
Earlier this week, Donalds announced Ávila as his choice for lieutenant governor at Miami's Freedom Tower, a building rich in symbolism for the Cuban community as it served as a refugee assistance center after the 1959 revolution.
Ávila, a Hialeah native and son of Cuban exiles, is a captain in the Florida Army National Guard and represents the 39th District in the state Senate, which includes Hialeah, Hialeah Gardens, and Miami Lakes.
Donalds will face off against David Jolly in November. Jolly is a former Republican congressman who registered as a Democrat in 2025 and won the party primary on August 18.
Jolly has focused his campaign on the cost of living: "You deserve a governor who will put you first. We are all concerned about the cost of housing, healthcare, food, and gas."
Democratic Outreach in Little Havana
Meanwhile, Democratic state representative and Senate candidate Angie Nixon took to Calle Ocho to court Cuban voters. She enjoyed Cuban coffee in front of a mural dedicated to Gloria and Emilio Estefan, distributed campaign material, and chatted with locals at Domino Park, as detailed by Univision 23.
She was joined by Democratic congressional candidate Oliver Larkin in this outreach effort aimed at a traditionally Republican stronghold.
"I am someone who wants to bring accountability and transparency to Washington D.C.," Nixon stated during her rally in Little Havana. "I want to make sure I'm helping Floridians across the state."
Nixon, a Jacksonville state representative who identifies as a democratic socialist, surprised many by winning her party's primary with 56% of the vote against former Colonel Alex Vindman's 44%.
Her opponent in November is Republican Senator Ashley Moody, appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis in January 2025 to fill the seat vacated by Marco Rubio when he became Secretary of State.
Moody, who served as Florida's Attorney General from 2019 to 2025, touts her record: "I already have an excellent track record of results and getting bills passed for Floridians. I was the most productive freshman senator."
The senate seat contested by Nixon and Moody is for a term ending in January 2029, with Florida's general election scheduled for November 3rd.
Key Questions About the Florida Elections
Who is Byron Donalds running with for lieutenant governor?
Byron Donalds is running with State Senator Bryan Ávila as his choice for lieutenant governor.
What is Angie Nixon's main campaign message?
Angie Nixon's campaign focuses on bringing accountability and transparency to Washington D.C. and helping Floridians across the state.
What is David Jolly's main focus in his campaign?
David Jolly is focusing on the cost of living, emphasizing the need for affordable housing, healthcare, food, and gas.