Florida gubernatorial candidate Paul Renner (R) is asking Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott and Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy to host one or more debates for governor on their networks next month, in a letter sent to both executives on Wednesday.
"As Florida goes, so goes the conservative movement. It is critical that our Republican primary voters have direct access to a robust, substantive exchange of ideas presented by the candidates on the critical issues facing our state: property tax relief, insurance reform, medical freedom, artificial intelligence, and public corruption," Renner wrote.
"Primary debates make for stronger general election candidates, and it is a mistake not to have one or more debates," Renner continued. "Your platforms have long championed conservative values and voter empowerment. Hosting such a debate would serve the public interest, energize the Republican base, and help deliver the best nominee for Florida."
Renner's request comes just ahead of the Republican Party of Florida's Sunshine State Showdown at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood on Saturday, where three out of the four major Republican candidates for governor, including U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, and Renner, are expected to attend.
But according to party criteria, there will be no debate at the event, at least not for Florida's top job. The party, however, will be hosting debates for Florida's 19th Congressional District and Florida's 25th Congressional District, despite its own lack of official requirements.
And Renner isn't the only one calling for them.
Gov. Ron DeSantis criticized the Republican Party of Florida for not having a gubernatorial debate at the Showdown earlier this month or a debate anywhere at all while taking questions from reporters in Bradenton this week. Florida voters are also passionately calling for a debate on social media.
So, will there be a debate?
With the Republican primary on Aug. 18, the clock is ticking.
