History of Byron Donalds in Timeline

Byron Donalds is an American politician 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. Prior to entering politics, Donalds worked as a financial analyst. His political career is relatively recent, with his congressional tenure beginning in 2021. He is known for his conservative views and advocacy within the Republican party.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

October 28, 1978: Byron Donalds Born

On October 28, 1978, Byron Lowell Donalds was born.

Others born on this day/year

1983: District Creation

In 1983, the congressional district, which Byron Donalds now represents, was created (as the 13th District).

1993: District Renumbering

In 1993, the congressional district, which Byron Donalds now represents, was renumbered as the 14th District.

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 later dropped.

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.

2002: Divorced Bisa Hall

In 2002, Byron Donalds and Bisa Hall divorced.

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 FSU with a Bachelor of Science degree in finance and marketing.

2002: Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002

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.

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: Joined CMG Surety LLC

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

2012: Unsuccessful Run for U.S. House

In 2012, Byron Donalds unsuccessfully ran for the U.S. House of Representatives.

2012: Ran 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 but finished fifth.

2013: District Renumbering

In 2013, the congressional district, which Byron Donalds now represents, was renumbered as the 19th District.

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 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 Messages Claim Donalds Dropping Out

In August 2020, anonymous text messages were sent to constituents claiming that Donalds was dropping out of the race, which he denied.

2020: Elected to Congress

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

2020: End of Term in Florida House of Representatives

In 2020, Byron Donalds' term ended in the Florida House of Representatives.

2020: 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: 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 who "say they’re fighting against socialism in America".

January 3, 2021: Sworn into Congress

On January 3, 2021, Byron Donalds was sworn into Congress as the U.S. Representative for Florida's 19th congressional district.

January 2021: Objected 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: 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.

2021: Became U.S. Representative

In 2021, Byron Donalds became the U.S. representative for Florida's 19th congressional district.

January 3, 2023: Speaker of the House Vote

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 then received 20 votes on the fourth ballot after being nominated by Roy, marking the first time two Black lawmakers were nominated for Speaker, the other being Hakeem Jeffries.

January 2023: Nominated for Speaker of the House

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

July 2023: Claimed Biden Was Not Legitimate President

In July 2023, Byron Donalds repeated his claim 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: Equivalent Fine Amount Updated

In 1997, Donalds was fined $150 for marijuana possession, equivalent to $280 in 2023.

2023: Voted to Support Israel

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

2023: Vote on Removing Troops from Syria

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.