Paul Renner
Governor
FL Governor 2026
Paul Renner is a Jacksonville-area attorney and former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives running for the 2026 Republican gubernatorial primary. Born in Atlanta and raised in Florida, he earned a history degree from Davidson College, served as a U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Officer in the Gulf War, and earned his law degree from the University of Florida in 1994. He worked as an assistant state attorney before winning election to the Florida House in 2015. As Speaker from 2022 to 2024, he oversaw passage of Florida's universal school voucher expansion, sweeping insurance tort reform, and a first-in-the-nation law restricting minors' access to social media. He announced his governor bid on September 3, 2025. DeSantis publicly called the campaign "ill-advised" and has withheld an endorsement, viewing Renner as a primary threat to Donalds. He has raised approximately $6.5 million total — second in the Republican field behind Donalds but well back in polling.
Affordability & Property Taxes
Reduce property tax burden on Florida families
- Campaigned on the fact that Florida property taxes have increased at double the national average
- Pushed homestead property tax relief as a central governor campaign pledge
- Led insurance tort reform as Speaker, aimed at lowering homeowner insurance premiums
Education
Universal school choice; parental rights in curriculum
- Shepherded Florida's universal school voucher expansion through the House as Speaker
- Backed parental rights legislation restricting gender identity instruction in schools
- Supported restrictions on DEI programs at public universities
Technology & Child Safety
Restrict social media access for minors
- Led passage of Florida's social media age-restriction law for minors under 16 — a national first
- Framed child online safety as a core conservative issue during his speakership
Second Amendment
Expand gun rights; lower rifle purchase age
- Campaigned on lowering the minimum age for rifle purchases back to 18
- Consistent pro-Second Amendment voting record in the Florida House
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