NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, a Republican, launched a Sunshine State gubernatorial bid, jumping into the race after President Donald Trump backed U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds for the job earlier this year.

“As a legislator and Speaker of the House, I stood with Ron DeSantis to brand our state the Free State of Florida,” Renner said in social media posts. “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.”

Current Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is serving his second-consecutive term and is consequently not permitted to be elected again in 2026, said that he is not backing Renner, noting, “I think it was an ill-advised decision to enter the race.”

SC

See Full Page