TALLAHASSEE, FL — September 4, 2025 Former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner has officially entered the 2026 race for governor, setting the stage for a high-profile Republican primary showdown against U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, who has already secured the endorsement of former President Donald Trump2.
Renner, 58, announced his candidacy on September 3, emphasizing his legislative record and commitment to conservative values. “I’m running for Governor so that when the DeSantis era comes to an end, we can defend our victories and solve the challenges that remain,” Renner posted on social media.
During his tenure as Speaker of the Florida House from 2022 to 2024, Renner was instrumental in advancing key legislation aligned with Governor Ron DeSantis’s agenda. These included laws banning gender-affirming care for minors, expanding school vouchers, implementing permitless concealed carry, and restricting minors’ access to social media and adult content.
Renner’s campaign positions him as a more hardline conservative alternative to Donalds, who has gained national attention and significant financial backing. While Donalds boasts a $22 million war chest and Trump’s endorsement, Renner is betting on his track record of delivering results in Florida’s legislature.
In addition to his legislative work, Renner currently serves on the Board of Governors for the State University System of Florida. Earlier this year, he played a role in opposing the candidacy of Santa Ono—President of the University of Michigan—for the presidency of the University of Florida. While Ono’s nomination was never formally submitted, Renner’s influence on the board has been cited by some conservative commentators as pivotal in steering UF’s leadership away from progressive academic trends.
Renner’s background includes military service in both the Gulf War and Afghanistan, a career as a state prosecutor, and deep involvement in Florida’s legal and political systems. His campaign message focuses on preserving Florida’s identity as a “Free State” and resisting what he describes as “radical leftist agendas” in education and governance3.
Governor Ron DeSantis, who is term-limited and cannot seek reelection, has declined to endorse Renner, calling his decision to run “ill-advised” during a recent press conference4. Despite this, Renner remains undeterred, stating, “I’ve fought the fights already. I’ve won the fights already as Speaker. I’m not afraid of anyone or anybody”.
The Republican primary is scheduled for August 2026, with the general election to follow in November. As the race heats up, Floridians will be watching closely to see which candidate can best carry forward the state’s conservative legacy.
For full coverage, see USA Today’s profile on Renner’s candidacy and WUSF’s breakdown of the governor’s race.
Add comment
Comments