Byron Donalds’ campaign launches coalition of women business leaders

Byron Donalds. Screenshot via PBS.

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds’ gubernatorial campaign just launched its “Businesswomen for Byron” coalition.

Erika Donalds, founder and chair of Optima and the Congressman’s wife, will serve as Honorary Chair of the coalition.

“I’m honored to lead this coalition of amazing, accomplished, and influential women from across the Sunshine State,” Erika Donalds said.

“I come from a long line of Florida business owners and know first-hand the importance of having a Governor that understands the needs of businesses in our state. As our next Governor, my husband will continue the great work that has been done to create Florida’s low tax, low regulation environment, and improve upon our education system to ensure our workforce is sufficiently prepared to meet the growing demands of our economy.”

At its launch, the group provided a list of more than 100 women in business from across Florida. Those include retires UBS Securities CEO Teresa Ressel, who previously served as Assistant Secretary and CFO of the United States Treasury under President Donald Trump. The campaign stressed the link to the administration and Trump’s endorsement of Donalds’ candidacy.

“As President Trump’s endorsed candidate for Governor, Byron Donalds will work with the President to enact his economic agenda and restore our nation’s economy,” Ressel said.

“Having spent his career in the financial sector, Byron understands the importance of lower taxes, cutting red tape, and expanding access to capital for small businesses to keep Florida’s economy strong and ensure every Floridian can achieve the American Dream.”

The list includes a number of other political and business leaders including former state Sen. Lisa Carlton, a major cattle and citrus agricultural business owner in Sarasota, and Jennifer Couture, a prominent Fort Myers real estate industry leader.

“Byron Donalds is committed to lowering the cost of living for families and making Florida the best state to start, grow, and run a business,” said Billie Tucker Volpe, Founder and CEO of The Leaderboard Roundtable. “Our families and small businesses are the backbone of Florida’s economy. With Byron Donalds as Governor, we will make Florida affordable again, create good- paying jobs, and keep Florida’s economy strong.”