Former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner told Ron DeSantis that he wants to run for governor, according to two sources familiar with the race.
Renner, now on the state's higher education governing board, told DeSantis earlier this month his plans for a gubernatorial bid in 2026. If he runs, Renner would challenge Rep. Byron Donalds for the Republican nomination.
"Renner went to DeSantis, and told him he wants to run," one Republican familiar with the race told The Floridian, noting the conversation took place "within the past two weeks" and that Renner has hired new consultants to kick-start his bid.
Another Republican in the process agreed, confirming that the conversation "definitely" took place.
Renner was appointed by DeSantis to the Board of Governors in February, months after he termed out of the state House. Confirmed to the role in May, Renner had served as the House Speaker from 2022 through 2024. His net worth was over $880K as of November 2024.
"During my time as Speaker, we delivered on one of the most productive and conservative agendas in Florida’s history, so I appreciate why people have asked me to consider running," Renner told The Floridian via text, not commenting on whether he spoke to the governor or not.
"I’m very proud of the work we did, alongside Governor DeSantis, to make Florida the best state in the country. No matter who runs, it’s important that we keep Florida No.1, which means beating the Democrats next year," he said.
The only high-profile Republican in the gubernatorial race so far is Donalds, endorsed by President Donald Trump and opposed by DeSantis.
State agricultural commissioner Wilton Simpson told The Floridian earlier this month that he hadn't ruled out a run, while state Sen. Jay Collins, a Tampa Republican, has been floated as a potential DeSantis-endorsed candidate by some familiar with the process.
Collins is also thought to be DeSantis's pick to be Lieutenant Governor, likely setting him up for a top job run in 2026.
This comes months after First Lady Casey DeSantis was considering a run to succeed her husband, but following public controversy surrounding her Hope Florida foundation's financials, she's widely thought to have dropped her gubernatorial plans.
In the past month, Renner has touted his pro-DeSantis record on social media, noting his efforts to crack down on pornographic websites and eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in higher education.
He also supported DeSantis-backed initiatives this session, including blocking weather modification technology and criticizing House Republicans' insurance reform bill.
Renner in May led the Board of Governors' charge to block Santa Ono from becoming the President of the University of Florida, pointing to the former University of Michigan's past support of DEI initiatives.
The governor's office and Collins did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
