FL-19: Byron Donalds (R)
PROFILE
About Donalds:
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Byron Donalds is the product of a single-parent household. Throughout his life, his mother made every sacrifice possible in order to give him the best opportunity at the American Dream. That philosophy his mother taught him, striving to leave future generations better than the current, is what leads him in his work, his home life, and as a state legislator.
Donalds attended Florida State University and graduated in 2002 with bachelor of arts degrees in finance and marketing. His career path has included working in the finance, insurance, and banking industries in Southwest Florida.
Elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2016, Donalds currently sits on five committees and honorably serves as the chairman of the Insurance and Banking Subcommittee. During his time in the Florida House, Donalds has primarily focused on elder affairs, criminal justice reform, and striving to make sure each child in Florida has access to a world-class education.
Having served the community in a multitude of ways since he moved to Collier County in 2003, Donalds was previously appointed by Gov. Rick Scott to the board of trustees for Florida Southwestern State College. From 2004 to 2016, Donalds served as a youth leader in his church where he mentored middle school and high school students. In his spare time, he enjoys volunteering as a coach in youth football and basketball leagues.
Byron Donalds lives in Naples, Fla., with his wife, Erika, and their three sons, Damon, Darin, and Mason.