TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Republican gubernatorial candidate Paul Renner is escalating his criticism of front-runner Byron Donalds, arguing President Donald Trump did not conduct sufficient due diligence before endorsing the congressman in Florida’s 2026 governor’s race.
Renner, a former Florida House speaker, said Trump might not have endorsed Donalds if the president had a fuller understanding of the Naples Republican’s record.
“If he knew what I knew, I don’t think he would ever have made that endorsement,” Renner said. “And the more I’m in this race, the more I see that.”
“I wouldn’t be in this race if I thought the Trump-endorsed candidate was fit for office, to be candid with you,” he added.
The remarks represent one of Renner’s most direct challenges yet to Trump’s endorsement of Donalds as the Aug. 18 Republican primary approaches.
Donalds campaign responds with one word
The Donalds campaign offered a terse response when asked about Renner’s criticism.
“Who?” campaign communications director Gates McGavick said, according to Florida Politics.
The response underscored the political reality facing Donalds’ Republican rivals: despite months of attacks and growing calls for a debate, the congressman continues to hold a substantial advantage in public polling.
A new Tyson Group poll found Donalds with 48% support among likely Republican primary voters. His nearest rivals remained in single digits, while Renner registered 4%.
The result follows other public polling that has consistently shown Donalds leading the Republican field. A June Associated Industries of Florida survey put Donalds at 54%, compared with 8% for James Fishback, 5% for Lt. Gov. Jay Collins and 2% for Renner. AIF has endorsed Donalds.
Renner questions Trump’s endorsement
Trump endorsed Donalds before the congressman formally entered the governor’s race, giving him an early political advantage in a Republican primary where the president remains highly influential.
Renner remains supportive of Trump but argues the president did not have the full picture when he backed Donalds.
He has pointed to recent gubernatorial contests outside Florida where Trump-backed candidates failed to win their party’s nomination as evidence that a presidential endorsement does not guarantee victory.
Renner specifically cited Republican primary contests in Iowa, Georgia and South Carolina.
His argument is straightforward: Florida Republican voters should independently examine the candidates’ records rather than treat Trump’s endorsement as the final word in the primary.
Renner intensifies attacks on Donalds’ record
Renner has increasingly targeted Donalds on criminal justice, law enforcement and the congressman’s personal history.
The former House speaker has referenced legal issues from Donalds’ youth and criticized positions he says could allow some offenders to receive early release.
Renner has also accused Donalds of using rhetoric more commonly associated with progressive criticism of law enforcement.
Donalds’ law enforcement support, however, has continued to grow.
The Florida Police Chiefs Association endorsed Donalds on July 10, citing his support for law enforcement and public safety. The association said Donalds had demonstrated a commitment to providing officers with resources and maintaining Florida as a “law-and-order state.”
Donalds has also secured endorsements from numerous Florida sheriffs.
Polling shows steep challenge for Renner
Renner’s sharper attacks come as he faces a significant polling deficit.
The latest Tyson Group survey placed Donalds at 48%, nearly 40 percentage points ahead of the Republican field. Renner received 4% support.
The polling gap is compounded by a major fundraising disparity.
Donalds recently announced another $5 million fundraising week, bringing his total raised for the governor’s race to nearly $95 million. Recent campaign finance reporting has placed his available cash near $66 million.
Renner, meanwhile, has struggled to keep pace financially.
The widening financial and polling gaps have increased pressure on Donalds’ rivals to find a message capable of reshaping the Republican primary.
Republican rivals seek confrontation with front-runner
Renner’s comments come as he, Collins and Fishback continue pressing Donalds to participate in a Republican gubernatorial debate.
During a recent campaign stop in Hialeah, Donalds dismissed those calls, pointing to his polling advantage and describing his rivals as candidates “grasping at straws.”
“I’m not going to help them,” Donalds said.
For Renner, challenging Trump’s endorsement represents a high-risk political argument in a Republican primary.
But with five weeks remaining before the Aug. 18 primary and Donalds holding a commanding advantage in polling and fundraising, Renner is making clear he believes confronting the front-runner directly is his best opportunity to change the race.
The escalating attacks come as Florida’s 2026 election campaign enters its final weeks before the Aug. 18 Republican primary.
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