Who is Byron Donalds? 6 things to know

Mark H. Bickel, Fort Myers News-Press
·2 min read
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Republican Congressman and Naples resident Byron Donalds was thrust into the national political limelight Wednesday when he was nominated to be the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Congress failed to elect a speaker after three votes on Tuesday. A fourth vote took place early Wednesday and once again a speaker wasn't elected. Donalds was on the ballot for the fourth vote and once again on the fifth try, nominated by Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado.

Along with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ nomination, it marks the first day two Black men have been nominated speaker.

Boebert said Donalds will uphold conservative principles and build consensus. He received 20 votes during his first nomination.

GOP leader Kevin McCarthy was also nominated twice on the two votes taken Wednesday.

Who does Byron Donalds represent?

Donalds has been the U.S. representative for Florida's 19th congressional district since 2021. His district serves most of the heart of Southwest Florida, including Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero and Naples.

Who is Byron Donalds? One of the surprise nominees for Speaker of the House is a Florida rep.

How old is Byron Donalds?

Donalds is 44.

Where is Byron Donalds from?

Donalds was born in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Jan 4, 2023; Washington, D.C, USA; Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., nominates Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., in the House chamber for the fifth ballot as the House meets for a second day to elect a speaker. The House of Representatives reconvenes on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, trying to elect a Speaker of the House as the 118th session of Congress begins. Republicans take over the U.S. House of Representatives with a slim majority and Democrats maintain a majority in the U.S. Senate.

What is Byron Donalds' education background?

Florida State University (1999-2002)Bachelor of Arts degree in finance and marketing

Florida A&M University (1996-1999)

What did Byron Donalds do before he was elected to Congress?

Donalds was a member of the Florida House of Representatives (2016–2020). He represented Hendry County and east Collier County in the State Capitol.

During his tenure in the Florida House, Donalds served as the PreK-12 Quality Subcommittee Chair during the 2018-2019 Legislative Session and served as the Insurance & Banking Subcommittee's Chairman 2019-2020 Legislative Session. While serving in the Florida House, he focused primarily on elder affairs, criminal justice reform, and an effort to ensure that each child has access to a world-class education.

Who is Byron Donalds’ wife, and does he have children?

Wife: Erika

Three sons: Damon, Darin and Mason

First lady Jill Biden shakes hands with Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., third from left, as she and President Joe Biden are greeted after arriving at Southwest Florida International Airport to visit areas impacted by Hurricane Ian, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, in Fort Myers, Fla. Lee County Chairman Cecil Pendergrass, second from left, looks on.
First lady Jill Biden shakes hands with Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., third from left, as she and President Joe Biden are greeted after arriving at Southwest Florida International Airport to visit areas impacted by Hurricane Ian, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, in Fort Myers, Fla. Lee County Chairman Cecil Pendergrass, second from left, looks on.

How can I contact Byron Donalds?

Washington, DC Office: 523 Cannon HOB, Washington, DC 20515, (202) 225-2536

Collier County Office: 3299 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 105, Naples, FL 34112, (239) 252-6225

Lee County Office: 1039 SE 9th Ave, Suite 308, Cape Coral, FL 33990, (239) 599-6033

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Who is Byron Donalds? Six things to know about Naples congressman