Former State Rep. Charlie Stone has endorsed gubernatorial candidate Paul Renner (R) for Florida governor, according to a post shared by The Renner War Room account on social media.
Stone represented District 22 in the Florida House of Representatives from 2012 to 2020 after being term-limited. The district includes Levy County and part of Marion County in central Florida. Stone also served on the Marion County commission from 2004 to 2012.
Renner thanked Stone for his endorsement in a follow-up post.
"Charlie Stone has dedicated years of public service to Marion County and the people of North Central Florida. Leaders like Charlie understand what it means to show up and serve their communities," Renner wrote.
Stone's support follows an endorsement from Former Florida Senate President Pro Tempore Dennis Baxley earlier this week. Baxley began serving in the Senate in 2016, including two years as pro tempore from 2022 to 2024.
He also served as speaker pro tempore of the Florida House of Representatives from 2006 to 2007. Baxley began serving in the House in 2000 and continued mostly until his election to the Senate.
Baxley is considered the father of Florida's "Stand Your Ground Law."
Renner also thanked Baxley for his endorsement this week.
"Honored to have the support of Dennis Baxley, a conservative leader who has spent decades fighting for Florida families and defending our freedoms," Renner wrote.
Will Stone and Baxley's support give Renner a push in the race?
Renner, the former Florida House speaker, is in a Republican primary with U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, and Businessman James Fishback for the nomination.
The GOP gubernatorial primary is Aug. 18. According to most polling, Rep. Donalds is in the lead for the nomination.
Renner underscored his leadership abilities in a January interview with The Floridian. He also discussed his plan to phase out property taxes, alleviate insurance costs, and reduce energy prices.
