GOP Civil War EXPLODES—Former Speaker Launches Campaign

Republican symbol on American flag background.

Florida’s Republican civil war erupts as former House Speaker launches gubernatorial campaign, raising the stakes for conservative values and the future direction of the state.

Story Highlights

Paul Renner, former Florida House Speaker, launches gubernatorial campaign against Trump-backed Byron Donalds.
The contest exposes deep divisions between Trump and DeSantis factions in the Republican Party.
Governor Ron DeSantis refuses to endorse Renner, calling his candidacy “ill-advised.”
The race will determine whether Florida’s next governor continues DeSantis’s legacy or shifts toward Trump’s vision.

DeSantis Legacy and the Battle for Florida’s GOP

Paul Renner’s entry into the 2026 Florida governor’s race signals a fight for the soul of the Republican Party. As a former Speaker of the Florida House, Renner brings a record of conservative legislation and positions himself as the natural heir to Ron DeSantis’s policies. DeSantis, having completed two terms marked by school choice expansion, permitless carry, and parental rights reforms, is now term-limited. Yet, DeSantis’s refusal to endorse Renner—calling his campaign “ill-advised”—highlights internal party fractures. This contest is not merely about personalities but about which brand of conservatism will define Florida’s future: the state-focused, policy-driven approach of DeSantis loyalists or the populist, outsider energy represented by Donald Trump’s influence.

Renner’s campaign emphasizes continuity, promising to uphold DeSantis’s agenda on parental rights, second amendment protections, and state sovereignty against federal overreach. He highlights his legislative achievements and military service, appealing to voters wary of Washington interference and progressive “woke” agendas. Renner also addresses urgent issues for Florida families—skyrocketing property taxes and insurance premiums—offering targeted reforms that resonate with conservative homeowners and business owners. His message is clear: Florida must remain a national leader in conservative governance, resisting any drift toward leftist policies or bureaucratic excess.

Trump’s Endorsement and Byron Donalds’s Momentum

Byron Donalds, a sitting U.S. Representative, secures endorsements from both President Donald Trump and Senator Rick Scott, positioning himself as the “proven conservative fighter” in the race. Trump’s support is a powerful force in Florida’s GOP, energizing grassroots activists and amplifying Donalds’s visibility statewide. Donalds’s campaign frames him as the next-generation leader who will defend constitutional rights, secure the border, and fight inflation fueled by past fiscal mismanagement. His alignment with Trump’s America First agenda aims to attract voters frustrated with establishment politics and eager for bold national leadership. This endorsement-driven momentum creates a formidable challenge for Renner, making the primary a proxy battle between Trump’s dominance and DeSantis’s policy-driven conservatism.

The DeSantis-Trump divide is not just a matter of endorsements but reflects diverging strategies for the Republican Party. While Trump’s style is combative and media-driven, DeSantis-aligned leaders focus on legislative achievements and state-level reforms. The result is a high-stakes confrontation that will shape not only Florida but the trajectory of national conservatism heading into the 2028 presidential election cycle.

Implications for Florida Voters and Policy Direction

The immediate impact of this primary battle will be felt by Florida’s Republican voters, who must choose between two distinct conservative visions. On one side, Renner’s approach promises policy continuity: strong parental rights, protection for law-abiding gun owners, and local control over education, with a focus on rooting out wasteful government spending. On the other, Donalds offers an unapologetic embrace of Trump’s populism, pledging to continue the fight against illegal immigration, government overreach, and inflationary policies. Both candidates oppose leftist agendas and government expansion, but their methods and priorities differ. The outcome will determine whether Florida doubles down on DeSantis’s style of conservative governance or pivots to a more nationally confrontational, Trump-inspired model.

Beyond the Republican primary, policy decisions on property taxes, insurance reform, and education will directly affect Floridians’ daily lives. Homeowners and parents—core conservative constituencies—are especially invested in these issues. The insurance and real estate industries, as well as public and private education providers, are closely watching for signals about future regulations and reforms. As Florida remains a bellwether for national politics, the results of this race will influence GOP strategies and conservative priorities across the country.

Party Divisions, Endorsement Power, and the National Stage

Political analysts view the Renner-Donalds race as a “proxy war” between Trump and DeSantis factions, with far-reaching consequences for the Republican Party’s identity. Trump’s endorsement is widely regarded as decisive in GOP primaries, but Renner’s deep legislative background and policy expertise give him credibility among voters who value effective governance over celebrity status. The contest will test whether grassroots enthusiasm or experienced leadership carries more weight in post-DeSantis Florida. With the Republican Party’s direction at stake, major donors, party officials, and primary voters will play pivotal roles in shaping the outcome. The national media, meanwhile, will watch Florida closely as an indicator of conservative momentum heading into 2028.

Former Florida House speaker mounts gubernatorial bid, challenging Trump-backed candidate Rep. Byron Donalds https://t.co/4AyDMCROym

— Fox News Politics (@foxnewspolitics) September 4, 2025

While the Democratic and independent fields remain less prominent, the GOP primary’s outcome will define the policy debates and set the tone for the general election. The result will also send a clear message about the power of endorsements versus track records in the new era of Republican politics. For conservatives concerned about defending the Constitution, resisting progressive overreach, and ensuring local control, this race is a defining moment for both Florida and the nation.