FL-GOV: Second big-name Republican jumps into the race to replace Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner filed to run for governor of Florida on Wednesday, making him the second big-name Republican to jump into the race to replace term-limited Ron DeSantis.

“Many called it the two most conservative years in Florida history,” Renner said of his time as speaker from 2022 to 2024 in an interview Tuesday. “I led a chamber of great men and women ... that made Florida what it is today.”

Republican U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds is seen as the front-runner. Not only is he endorsed by President Donald Trump and has been on the campaign trail for months, but he has already socked away $25 million in campaign funds. Donalds announced his bid for governor in March.

Renner, however, sees a path forward in the Republican field, which is most likely not yet settled ahead of the 2026 midterms.



https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/paul-renner-2026-governors-race-florida-ron-desantis-rcna228566