Particle.news
Download on the App Store
5 ARTICLES
·
4d ago

Renner Enters Florida Governor’s Race as DeSantis Declines to Back Him

DeSantis’ refusal to endorse underscores a Republican fight over ownership of his policy legacy.

FILE - Florida House Speaker Paul Renner speaks during a press conference in Miami, on May 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File)
FILE - This photo combination show, from top left, Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, speaking on Jan. 9, 2024, in Tallahassee, Fla., U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, March 28, 2025, in Bonita Springs, Fla. Florida first lady Casey DeSantis, March 5, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. and Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, Aug. 21, 2025, in Stockton, Calif. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough, Chris Tilley, Chris O'Meara, Benjamin Fanjoy)
Former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner said he's launching a bid for governor. (Douglas R. Clifford/Tampa Bay Times/TNS)
Florida State House Speaker Paul Renner greets the legislative body as he speaks before Republican presidential candidate Florida Governor Ron DeSantis makes his State of the State address in Tallahassee, Florida, on January 9, 2024.

Overview

  • Paul Renner, a Navy veteran and former Florida House speaker, filed Wednesday to run for governor in 2026, casting himself as the guardian of the DeSantis-era 'Free State of Florida' agenda.
  • Gov. Ron DeSantis said, “I’m not supporting Paul Renner,” calling the decision to run an ill-advised move at a news conference.
  • Rep. Byron Donalds remains the early front-runner with President Trump’s endorsement and more than $20 million raised, and he has also secured support from Sen. Rick Scott.
  • Renner’s political committees report roughly $1 million on hand, underscoring a sharp fundraising disparity in a large, media-driven statewide race.
  • The field remains fluid as Lt. Gov. Jay Collins and Casey DeSantis are discussed as potential entrants, while Democrat David Jolly is already campaigning.