History of Byron Donalds in Timeline

Byron Donalds is an American politician and financial analyst currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Florida's 19th congressional district since 2021. As a member of the Republican Party, he represents a large portion of Southwest Florida. His background combines experience in finance with his current role in national politics.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

October 28, 1978: Byron Donalds Born

On October 28, 1978, Byron Lowell Donalds was born. He is an American politician and financial analyst.

Others born on this day/year

1983: Creation of the congressional district

Since its creation in 1983, Byron Donalds became the sixth person to represent the congressional district.

1993: Reorganization of the congressional district

Since its creation in 1983 (it had been the 13th District from 1983 to 1993, the 14th from 1993 to 2013, and has been the 19th since 2013).

1996: Graduated from Nazareth Regional High School

In 1996, Byron Donalds graduated from Nazareth Regional High School in East Flatbush.

1997: Charged with Marijuana Possession

In 1997, Byron Donalds was charged with marijuana possession; the charges were dropped, and he was fined $150.

June 15, 1999: Married Bisa Hall

On June 15, 1999, Byron Donalds married Bisa Hall.

2000: No Contest Plea to Felony Theft Charge

In 2000, Byron Donalds pleaded no contest to a felony theft charge for allegedly attempting to defraud a bank, but his record was later sealed and expunged.

2002: Divorced Bisa Hall

In 2002, Byron Donalds divorced Bisa Hall.

2002: Graduated from Florida State University

In 2002, Byron Donalds earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance and marketing from Florida State University.

2002: Graduated from FSU

In 2002, Byron Donalds graduated from Florida State University (FSU) with a Bachelor of Science degree in finance and marketing.

2002: Vote to Repeal Military Force Authorization

In June 2021, Byron Donalds was one of 49 House Republicans to vote to repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002.

March 15, 2003: Married Erika Lees

On March 15, 2003, Byron Donalds married Erika Lees. They have three sons and live in Naples, Florida.

2003: Began career at TIB Bank

In 2003, Byron Donalds began his professional career as a credit analyst at TIB Bank.

2004: Promoted to senior credit analyst

In 2004, Byron Donalds was promoted to senior credit analyst at TIB Bank.

2007: Portfolio Manager at CMG Surety LLC

In 2007, Byron Donalds left TIB Bank and took a position as a portfolio manager at CMG Surety LLC.

2012: Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives

In 2012, Byron Donalds was a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Florida's 19th congressional district, finishing fifth of six candidates.

2012: Unsuccessful Run for U.S. House of Representatives

In 2012, Byron Donalds, a member of the Tea Party movement, unsuccessfully ran for the U.S. House of Representatives.

2013: Redesignation of the congressional district

Since its creation in 1983 (it had been the 13th District from 1983 to 1993, the 14th from 1993 to 2013, and has been the 19th since 2013).

2014: Reported as likely candidate for U.S. House

In 2014, Byron Donalds was reported as a likely candidate for the U.S. House in Florida's 19th congressional district after Trey Radel resigned, but did not run.

2015: Joined Wells Fargo Advisors

In 2015, Byron Donalds joined Wells Fargo Advisors as a Financial Advisor.

2016: Elected to Florida House of Representatives

In 2016, Byron Donalds represented the 80th district in the Florida House of Representatives.

August 2020: Anonymous Text Messages Claimed Donalds Was Dropping Out

In August 2020, anonymous text messages were sent out to constituents in the 19th district claiming that Byron Donalds was dropping out of the race. Donalds clarified via tweet that he was not dropping out and called the messages "illegal".

2020: Elected to Congress

In 2020, Byron Donalds was elected to Congress, defeating Democratic nominee Cindy Banyai.

2020: Presidential Election

In January 2021, Byron Donalds voted to object to the certification of electors from Arizona and Pennsylvania in the 2020 presidential election.

2020: Voted to Object to Certification of Electors

In January 2021, Byron Donalds voted to object to the certification of electors from Arizona and Pennsylvania in the 2020 presidential election.

2020: Identified as participant in "Freedom Force"

In late 2020, Byron Donalds was identified as a participant in the "Freedom Force", a group of incoming House Republicans.

January 3, 2021: Swearing-in to Congress

On January 3, 2021, Byron Donalds was sworn into Congress, becoming the sixth person to represent Florida's 19th congressional district since its creation in 1983.

January 2021: Objection to Certification of Electors

In January 2021, Byron Donalds voted to object to the certification of electors from Arizona and Pennsylvania in the 2020 presidential election.

June 2021: Voted to Repeal Military Force Authorization

In June 2021, Byron Donalds was one of 49 House Republicans to vote to repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002.

January 3, 2023: Received Vote for Speaker of the House

On January 3, 2023, Byron Donalds received one vote from Chip Roy in the 118th Congress's first election for Speaker of the House. He received 20 votes on the fourth ballot, marking the first time two Black lawmakers were nominated for Speaker.

January 2023: Nominated for Speaker of the House

In January 2023, Byron Donalds was nominated for the speakership in the fourth through 11th rounds of voting in the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives election.

July 2023: Claimed Joe Biden Was Not Legitimate President

In July 2023, Byron Donalds repeated his claim in a Vanity Fair interview that Joe Biden was not the legitimate president of the United States.

October 2023: Candidate for Speaker of the House

In October 2023, Byron Donalds was a candidate for Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.

2023: Voted to Support Israel

In 2023, Byron Donalds voted to provide Israel with support following the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.

2023: Voted in favor of H.Con.Res. 21

In 2023, Byron Donalds was among 47 Republicans to vote in favor of H.Con.Res. 21, directing President Joe Biden to remove U.S. troops from Syria within 180 days.