Anti-Gun Republican Enters Race for Florida Governor?

I’ve spent a lot of time beating up some of the Republicans in Florida for their refusal to budge on guns. They made mistakes after Parkland, and they refuse to undo those mistakes. What’s more, they’re refusing to restore gun rights in any appreciable way over the last couple of years, and they should. Florida should be among the most pro-gun states in the nation, and it’s not.

Now, it seems that a new Republican has entered the race for governor.

Luckily, he’s pro-gun, right?

Right?

Both @Paul_Renner & @ByronDonalds were State Lawmakers in 2018.

Renner voted in favor of the Parkland gun control bill.

❌Red Flag Orders
❌Mandatory Waiting Periods
❌Under-21 Purchase Ban
❌Bumpstock Ban

Donalds voted against the bill. https://t.co/yd1KlAWamv pic.twitter.com/KT8MAIP8gU

— Luis Valdes (@RealFLGunLobby) September 3, 2025

Oh.

Well.

It’s just too bad for us all that DeSantis is going to back Renner, right?

Right?

.@GovRonDeSantis on endorsing @Paul_Renner for Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial race:

“I’M NOT SUPPORTING PAUL RENNER.”

Smart move Governor DeSantis.

Florida doesn’t need anti-Second Amendment leadership in the Governor’s Mansion in 2026. https://t.co/L0K6BnC14q pic.twitter.com/01K9H6vCgj

— Luis Valdes (@RealFLGunLobby) September 3, 2025

Oh, thank God…I mean, that’s a shame.

Alright, in all seriousness, someone who backed the Parkland gun control bill isn’t the kind of leader any state in the nation needs, but especially not Florida.

This was someone who caved on his supposed principles the moment it looked politically expedient to do so, and hasn’t had either the cajones or the pull to make it right. I get being emotional. People get that way after something like Parkland. I understand. I can’t overlook it, but I understand it. 

Yet, as I’ve taught my kids, when you make a mistake, you need to own up to it and make it right.

Renner hasn’t.

And let’s understand that this wasn’t just a red flag law. Some otherwise pro-gun folks are willing to accept those. 

Oh no, they banned bump stocks and long gun sales to adults under 21.

Since then, they’ve had the chance to fix that mistake, and too few seem interested in doing so, as if acting like they screwed up is some admission to a personal failing they’ll never recover from politically.

I suppose that is what it is, and if his constituents want to accept that, so be it, but there’s no reason for him to be allowed into the governor’s mansion when he’s displayed a complete lack of courage to not just back laws like these, but to refuse to admit that he favors gun control.

The good news is that DeSantis is popular in Florida. People love him there. His endorsement will mean a lot going forward, and Renner isn’t getting it.

But some pro-gun endorsements might help.

Unfortunately, as Luis Valdes, who brought this to my attention and whom I quoted above, is the Florida director for Gun Owners of America, so I doubt he’ll get their endorsement. From what I know of Florida Carry, they’re not backing him. Pretty sure hell will freeze over before the Firearms Policy Coalition offers an endorsement. Same for the National Association of Gun Rights.

Maybe Anti-Gunners for Guns will consider it?

Florida’s got too many anti-gun Republicans in office. The last thing it needs is one moving into a higher office.

Editor’s note: While anti-gun Republicans seem to exist in every state, President Trump and the rest of the party remain dedicated to protecting our right to keep and bear arms.

Help us continue to report on their efforts and legislative successes. Join Bearing Arms VIP and use promo code FIGHT to get 60% off your VIP membership.