Bryan Avila
Bryan Avila | |
---|---|
Speaker pro tempore of the Florida House of Representatives | |
Assumed office November 17, 2020 | |
Preceded by | MaryLynn Magar |
Member of the Florida House of Representatives from the 111th district | |
Assumed office November 4, 2014 | |
Preceded by | Eduardo González |
Personal details | |
Born | Hialeah, Florida | June 25, 1984
Political party | Republican |
Spouse(s) | Cindy Gil-Avila |
Children | Olivia, Brandon[1] |
Alma mater | Miami-Dade College (A.A.) University of Miami (B.A.) Florida International University (M.P.A.)(M.S.) |
Profession | College professor |
Military service | |
Florida Army National Guard | First Lieutenant |
Bryan Avila (born June 25, 1984) is a Republican politician who currently serves as a member of the Florida House of Representatives. He has represented the 111th District, which includes parts of Miami and Hialeah in northeastern Miami-Dade County, since 2014. Avila will be term limited in 2022 and has announced his intention to run for Miami Dade County commission district 6.[2]
History[]
Avila was born in Hialeah, Florida. He graduated from Miami Springs High School in 2002. He attended Miami Dade College, receiving his associates degree in 2004, and graduated from the University of Miami with a bachelor's degree in political science in 2006. Avila went on to attend Florida International University, where he graduated with a Masters degree in Criminal Justice as well as a Master of Public Administration degree in 2010. In 2011, Avila was appointed to serve on the Planning and Zoning Board for the City of Hialeah. The following year, he was appointed to the city's Scholarship Board. In 2013, Avila was elected as the Vice-Chairman of the Republican Party of Miami-Dade County and served until his election to the Florida House of Representatives. Avila is married to his high school sweetheart, Cindy Gil-Avila. In 2015, their daughter, Olivia, was born.
Campaign for State House[]
In 2014, Avila ran to succeed incumbent State Representative Eduardo González, who was unable to seek re-election due to Florida term limits. He faced Alexander Anthony, a former candidate for Mayor in Miami Springs in the Republican primary. Avila campaigned on improving the state's economy, cutting taxes, expanding educational opportunities, reducing the size of government, and eliminating corporate welfare.[3] He earned the endorsement of the Miami Herald, which, though it recommended his candidacy, criticized his opposition to Medicaid expansion under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.[4] Avila ended up defeating Anthony by a wide margin. He won the Republican primary with 60% of the vote and advanced to the general election, where he faced Mariano Corcilli, the Democratic nominee.[5] This time, he did not earn the endorsement of the Miami Herald, which supported his opponent over his opposition to Medicaid expansion.[6] Ultimately, it was not a close election with Avila defeating Corcilli in a landslide, winning 67% of the vote.
Florida House of Representatives[]
This section of a biography of a living person does not include any references or sources. (March 2018) |
During his first term in office, Avila authored pieces of legislation such as providing a property-tax exemption for low-income seniors, streamlining the tax appeals process, establishing in-state tuition for all active duty service members, reforming HIV testing, and implementing distance requirements for Assisted Living Facilities. In 2016, Avila ran for re-election and defeated Sevi Miyar, the Democratic nominee and a high school teacher. Avila was recognized for his accomplishments during his first term in office and received the endorsement of the Miami Herald, which praised him as a rising star.[citation needed] He went on to win 59% of the vote and was sworn in for his second term on November 22, 2016.
Miami Dade County Commission[]
Term limited from his house seat in 2022, Avila announced his candidacy for Miami Dade County Commission District 6. The incumbent, longtime Commissioner Rebecca Sosa will also be term-limited making the seat open for the first time since Sosa won in 2001.[2][7] Avila's only other opponent in the race is diversity consultant Ibis Valdes.[8][9]
References[]
- ^ "Florida House of Representatives - Bryan Avila - 2014 - 2016 ( Speaker Crisafulli )". www.myfloridahouse.gov. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
- ^ Jump up to: a b "Bryan Avila files to succeed Rebeca Sosa on Miami-Dade County Commission". Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government. 2021-06-01. Retrieved 2021-06-15.
- ^ Derby, Kevin (September 23, 2013). "GOP Primary Heats Up for Miami-Dade House Seat". Sunshine State News. Retrieved December 10, 2014.
- ^ "The Herald recommends: For Florida House". Miami Herald. August 7, 2014. Retrieved December 10, 2014.
- ^ Henderson, Jeff (June 4, 2014). "Miami Dems Want to Take the Fight to GOP House Members". Sunshine State News. Retrieved December 10, 2014.
- ^ "OUR OPINION: Our recommended candidates for the Florida Legislature". Miami Herald. October 11, 2014. Retrieved December 10, 2014.
- ^ "Our Campaigns - Candidate - Rebeca Sosa". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved 2021-06-15.
- ^ "Candidate Reports". www.voterfocus.com. Retrieved 2021-06-15.
- ^ "Diversity & Inclusion | Ibis Valdes Consulting, LLC | United States". Ibis Valdes. Retrieved 2021-06-15.
External links[]
- University of Miami alumni
- Florida Republicans
- Hispanic and Latino American politicians
- Hispanic and Latino American state legislators in Florida
- Members of the Florida House of Representatives
- 1984 births
- Living people
- People from Hialeah, Florida
- Florida International University alumni
- American politicians of Cuban descent
- 21st-century American politicians