Miami Herald Endorses Paul Renner for Florida Governor in Republican Primary

What’s Happening?

Imagine Florida is picking a team captain for the Republican team in the race for governor. The Miami Herald Editorial Board—a group of experienced opinion journalists who are separate from the regular news reporters—has looked at all the candidates and decided to publicly support Paul Renner.

Important Point: This endorsement happens before the August 18 primary election. That’s when registered Republicans vote to choose who will represent their party in the general election later.

Meet the Candidates

There are four main Republicans running for governor. Think of them like four kids trying out for class president:

Why the Editorial Board Chose Paul Renner

The Board liked several things about Renner. Here’s the breakdown in simple terms:

1. Experience That Matches the Job

• 8 years in the Florida House, including 2 years as Speaker (the top leader)
• U.S. Navy veteran and former prosecutor (a lawyer who puts criminals in jail)
• Worked side-by-side with Governor DeSantis on major laws

2. He Has a "100-Day Plan"

Renner says his first 100 days would focus on five big things:

1. Affordability — making life cost less
2. Safety — keeping communities secure
3. Health — improving healthcare access
4. Freedom — protecting individual rights
5. Environment — taking care of Florida’s nature

3. He Wants to Continue DeSantis’ Direction

"I helped build the free state of Florida with this governor, and I don’t want to go backwards. That’s why I got in the race." — Paul Renner

He calls DeSantis a "fantastic" governor and promises to keep the same conservative policies.

Where Renner Draws a Line: New Challenges Need New Solutions

Even though Renner likes DeSantis’ record, he says new problems need fresh thinking.

Massive AI Data Centers

• These are giant buildings full of computers that power artificial intelligence
• They guzzle huge amounts of water and electricity
• Renner’s fix: Put them on pause indefinitely — "We’re not going to build first and ask questions later"

Property Taxes Too High?

• There’s already a ballot item in November to expand homestead exemptions to $250,000
• Renner says go bigger: $1 million exemption for primary homes
• How to pay for it? Tax visitors and real estate speculators (people buying houses to flip for profit)
• Bonus: Waive a tax on first-time home buyers to help them get started

Alligator Alcatraz — The Immigration Detention Camp

• The state ran a tent-and-trailer detention center west of Miami
• Price tag: ~$1 billion
• Renner’s take: "I’m a business guy… I don’t see a billion dollars of work there. I could have probably done that a lot cheaper."

Renner on Education & Immigration

Note: The Editorial Board has opposed some of the conservative wins Renner brags about, like the near-total abortion ban and permitless concealed carry. But they still endorse him for his experience and pragmatic approach to new problems.

Why Not the Other Candidates?

Byron Donalds

• Pros: Trump’s endorsement, lots of campaign money
• Cons: Refused to meet with the Editorial Board; opponents say he’s too cozy with the AI industry

Jay Collins

• Current Lt. Governor
• Also refused to interview with the Board

James Fishback

• Engages younger voters on data centers, affordability, and agriculture
• But: Used racist attacks on Donalds (who is Black), calling him a "slave" and "DEI Republican"
• Just survived a legal challenge to kick him off the ballot over residency

Summary: The Bottom Line

The Miami Herald Editorial Board officially endorses PAUL RENNER in the GOP primary for governor.

FAQ: Questions You Might Have

1. Who are the Miami Herald Editorial Board?

They’re a small group of opinion journalists (Amy Driscoll, Isadora Rangel, Mary Anna Mancuso) who are independent from the newsroom. Their job is to study candidates and recommend who they think would do the best job — not who agrees with them politically.

2. Does this endorsement mean the newspaper tells me how to vote?

No. It’s their opinion, like a movie review. You still make your own choice. Think of it as a trusted friend saying, "Hey, I looked into this person, and here’s what I found."

3. Why did Donalds and Collins refuse to interview?

We don’t know for sure. But the Board’s rule is: no interview = no endorsement. It’s like a job interview — if you don’t show up, you don’t get the job.

4. What’s a "primary election" anyway?

It’s the election inside a party to pick their candidate. Only registered Republicans vote in the GOP primary on August 18. The winner faces the Democratic nominee in November.

5. Can I still vote if I’m not registered Republican?

No — Florida has closed primaries. You must be registered as a Republican by the deadline to vote in this primary. But you can vote in the general election in November regardless of party.

Key Dates to Remember

1. August 18, 2026 — Republican Primary Election Day
2. Early voting & vote-by-mail — Available before Election Day (check your county)
3. November 2026 — General Election (winner of primary vs. Democratic nominee)

This endorsement was originally published July 31, 2026, by the Miami Herald Editorial Board.