Former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner announced Wednesday he is running for governor in 2026, formally filing his candidacy with the state and pledging to continue policies advanced under Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Renner, a Palm Coast Republican who led the House from 2022 to 2024, said in a campaign statement that he stood with DeSantis in shaping the “Free State of Florida” and that his campaign would focus on defending those gains while addressing unresolved challenges.
“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. As a military veteran of two wars, a state prosecutor, and Speaker of the House, I’ve fought the tough battles, and I will never back down from the fight for our conservative values,” said Renner. “As a father, I am committed to securing Florida’s safety and prosperity for the next generation.”
Renner, who also serves on the State University System’s Board of Governors, said he plans to campaign in all 67 counties.
Term-limited DeSantis said on Wednesday that he does not support Renner’s candidacy and called the decision to run “ill-advised.”
“I’m not supporting Paul Renner,” the governor said. ““I think it was an ill-advised decision to enter the race.”
Renner will face U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, who has the endorsement of President Donald Trump, in the Republican primary.