Byron Donalds facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Byron Donalds
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Official portrait, 2021
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Florida's 19th district |
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| Assumed office January 3, 2021 |
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| Preceded by | Francis Rooney |
| Member of the Florida House of Representatives from the 80th district |
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| In office November 8, 2016 – November 3, 2020 |
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| Preceded by | Matt Hudson |
| Succeeded by | Lauren Melo |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Byron Lowell Donalds
October 28, 1978 Brooklyn, New York City, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican (since 2010) |
| Other political affiliations |
Democratic (until 2010) |
| Spouses |
Bisa Hall
(m. 1999; div. 2002)Erika Lees
(m. 2003) |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Florida A&M University Florida State University (BS) |
| Occupation |
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Byron Lowell Donalds (born October 28, 1978) is an American politician. He is a member of the Republican Party. Since 2021, he has served as a U.S. representative for Florida's 19th congressional district. This district covers a large part of Southwest Florida.
Before joining the U.S. House, Donalds was a member of the Florida House of Representatives. He represented the 80th district from 2016 to 2020. He has a background in finance and banking.
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Byron Donalds' Early Life and School
Byron Donalds was born in Brooklyn, New York City. He grew up in the Crown Heights neighborhood. He was one of three children and was raised by his single mother.
In 1996, he graduated from Nazareth Regional High School. He then went to Florida A&M University. Later, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance and marketing from Florida State University in 2002.
Career Before Congress
Donalds started his career in 2003 as a credit analyst at TIB Bank. He worked his way up to senior credit analyst and then commercial credit manager. He also became an assistant vice president.
In 2007, he moved to CMG Surety LLC as a portfolio manager. By 2015, he joined Wells Fargo Advisors as a Financial Advisor.
Donalds became interested in politics and was encouraged to run for office. In 2012, he ran for the U.S. House of Representatives but was not elected.
Serving in the Florida House
In 2016, Donalds was elected to the Florida House of Representatives. He served there until 2020. During his time, he led the Insurance and Banking Subcommittee.
U.S. House of Representatives
Becoming a U.S. Representative
Donalds ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2020. He wanted to represent Florida's 19th congressional district. He won a close primary election against several other Republican candidates.
In the main election, he won against the Democratic candidate, Cindy Banyai. When he took office on January 3, 2021, he became only the sixth person to represent this district since it was created in 1983. Donalds said he would focus on improving water quality in Southwest Florida.
Key Actions in Congress
In Congress, Donalds has been part of a group of House Republicans called the "Freedom Force." This group aims to fight against certain government policies.
Speaker of the House Elections
In January 2023, Donalds was nominated for Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. This happened during several rounds of voting. He received votes from other members of Congress. This was a notable moment as it was the first time two Black lawmakers were nominated for Speaker.
Later in October 2023, Donalds was again a candidate for Speaker of the House.
Important Votes
Donalds voted to end the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 in June 2021. In 2023, he voted to ask President Joe Biden to remove U.S. troops from Syria. He also voted against the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. Following the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, Donalds voted to provide support to Israel.
Donalds has also spoken about historical periods in the United States. He has clarified his views on these topics when they have caused discussion.
Committee Roles
For the 118th Congress, Byron Donalds serves on important committees:
- Committee on Financial Services
- Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology and Inclusion
- Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Monetary Policy
- Committee on Oversight and Accountability
- Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs
- Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce
Groups He Belongs To
Donalds is a member of several groups in Congress:
- Congressional Blockchain Caucus
- Freedom Caucus
- Republican Study Committee
Personal Life
Byron Donalds married Erika Lees in 2003. They have three sons. The family lives in Naples, Florida.
See also
Images for kids
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Donalds and President Donald Trump in 2019 with a former inmate freed by the First Step Act
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