Florida politics just got a whole lot more fascinating. Former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner officially announced that he’s running for governor, setting up a major Republican showdown with U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds—Donald Trump’s hand-picked candidate for the job.
Renner’s announcement, made on Wednesday on social media, comes as Gov. Ron DeSantis nears the end of his second term and gets ready to exit stage left in 2026. With DeSantis term-limited, the race for Florida’s top office is now wide open—and shaping up to be one of the biggest political battles in the country.
Renner: Keeping Florida the “Free State”
In his campaign launch, Renner positioned himself as the defender of DeSantis’s legacy.
“As a legislator and Speaker of the House, I stood with Ron DeSantis to brand our state the Free State of Florida,” Renner wrote. “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 highlighted his service as a military veteran, state prosecutor, and leader in the Florida House, saying his experience has prepared him to fight “tough battles” for conservative values. He also leaned on family themes, promising to protect Florida’s safety and prosperity for the next generation.
DeSantis not impressed
While Renner may see himself as the natural heir to DeSantis’s policies, the current governor isn’t on board.
DeSantis made it clear that he wasn’t backing Renner’s bid, calling it “an ill-advised decision to enter the race.”
Florida’s state constitution prevents DeSantis from seeking a third consecutive term, but his influence in state politics is still huge. Without his blessing, Renner faces an uphill battle to consolidate support among conservatives.
Trump’s man: Byron Donalds
On the other side of the ring is Byron Donalds, the U.S. Representative from Naples. Donalds jumped into the race earlier this year after getting the strongest possible nudge from Trump himself.
“Byron Donalds would be a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “RUN, BYRON, RUN!”
Donalds, a rising star in the Republican Party, has quickly built momentum thanks to Trump’s endorsement. His campaign is expected to be fuelled by national conservative support and Trump loyalists across the state.
Why this race matters
Florida has become one of the most watched political states in America. Over the past few years, it’s shifted firmly into the Republican column, with DeSantis winning re-election in 2022 by a landslide.
That makes the governor’s race not just about state policies but also a testing ground for the future of the Republican Party. Will Florida voters stick with Trump’s chosen candidate, or will they favour a DeSantis ally like Renner, who promises to “defend the Free State” in his own way?
The answer could signal how much influence Trump still has within the GOP heading into 2026—and beyond.
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What comes next
The GOP primary is still months away, but the battle lines are already drawn. Renner is casting himself as the steady, experienced choice, while Donalds is positioning himself as Trump’s fighter and Florida’s next conservative champion.
Both candidates will need to build strong grassroots support, raise money, and win over voters in a state that has grown used to high-stakes political drama.
Key takeaway
Paul Renner’s decision to run for governor has set up a political clash with Byron Donalds, Trump’s endorsed pick. With DeSantis out of the running, the 2026 Florida governor’s race will be one of the most exciting—and closely watched—contests in the country.
