TALLAHASSEE — Former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner is jumping into the race to replace term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The Palm Coast Republican filed on Wednesday for the 2026 governor’s race. The move will pit him against fellow Republican U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, who has secured President Donald Trump’s endorsement .

“If elected, I will go to where I have to go to stop any crack in the wall for the free state of Florida,” Renner said.

Other Florida Republicans have also been rumored to be eyeing the state’s top job, including Lt. Gov. Jay Collins and first lady Casey DeSantis.

Renner, a U.S. Navy veteran, said he believes there’s an appetite for a “robust primary.”

“Some voters will vote merely on an endorsement; I think many will look more broadly,” Renner said.

In respon

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