Paul Renner, candidate for Governor, visits Live Oak

Paul Renner, candidate for Governor.

By Tami Stevenson

 Live Oak, Florida,- Last week, Gubernatorial Candidate Paul Renner visited Live Oak and spoke to local residents during the Suwannee County Republican meeting at Live Oak City Hall.  

As former Speaker of the Florida House (2022-2024), he worked closely with Governor Ron DeSantis on major issues to pass bills restricting abortion, removing DEI funding in public colleges, expanding universal school choice vouchers, and further establish the term “The Free State of Florida,” during the COVID years, and more.

     Renner has been praised by DeSantis for his efforts as Speaker, saying Renner’s two years as Speaker were ‘unmatched.’

      He is a former state representative for D-19 (Flagler County and parts of St. Johns County) from 2015 until his term limit in 2024. He is a former prosecutor and U.S. Navy veteran who was deployed to active combat zones during both Operation Desert Storm and the war in Afghanistan, where he earned a Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

     During a phone interview, Renner said, “I am very supportive of what the governor has done, and would continue down that path on most any front that matters.”

     “I’m a no go on China. I’m a no go on Islam.”  He said having served 20 years in the military over two wars, he has been crystal clear that “we have a threat there.”

     “I’m running on a Florida First agenda, which means no AI data centers.” He said he is not going to let them come in and raise our electric rates and destroy our aquifer.      

     “They’re supposed to be making so much running the world off of this–pay for your own electric–bring your own water.” Renner added, “Don’t put it on us. And, you know, they’re going to put this on our grid, and you’re going to tell me, they’re not going to raise our rates? Of course they’re going to raise our rates. And they use massive amounts of water that’s going to damage our aquifer.” He said, “Not on my watch. I’m not gonna let that happen.”

     Renner comes from a Christian background. He is a preacher’s kid and confesses to be a Christian and said he tries to pray every day. He said his prayer isn’t “Am I going to win?” His prayer is, “Am I supposed to do it?” He believes God called him to run for the good of the people, because of his leadership skills.

     Suwannee GOP Chair Lisa Keep, said the meeting was well attended. “Very interested audience, they asked a lot of substantive questions and he was very good about giving substantive answers.” She said before the meeting they had an informal social time. Renner went around and tried to meet everybody in the room and have a personal conversation with them.

     Renner said, “If you like the Free State of Florida, what we built here (during the COVID years and beyond), you’ll like me as governor,” said Renner.

     The upcoming Republican primary is August 18. Do your research on the candidates and get out and vote!