- August 12, 2026
Dear Editor:
As a Republican, the biggest mistakes in this gubernatorial election are Trump jumping in with the wrong candidate, the Republican Party of Florida refusing to sponsor any debates, and Gov. Ron DeSantis not being more clear about the best candidate.
He knows. He has mentioned him several times and told you what they have accomplished together. One name, Paul Renner.
I worked for the DeSantis campaign here in Flagler County. The entire state wants him to endorse or be more vocal. If we elect the wrong candidate, the state will suffer, as well as DeSantis. That fast, you can lose a state.
The Jay Collins supporters use the argument that Collins would never have been selected lieutenant governor if he didn't believe him to be the best. I have heard things about Jay Collins, but have never heard DeSantis praise anything he was doing. Collins doesn't want to admit he supports the data centers, but when forced will tell you he believes local governments should make that decision. He surely must know that is not happening.
He isn't bothering to campaign in my county. He either believes it to be locked up, or believes he doesn't need to do that. And neither do the others, except for Paul Renner. Most people have no idea who Bobby Williams is. Then there is James Fishback, busy leveling accusations at others.
Walking precincts for Paul Renner we are hearing the same comments we heard when DeSantis first ran for Governor here: "Never heard of him. Who is he?"
Many who have lived here for years have no idea who this amazing man is. Paul Renner is a 20-year Navy combat veteran and one of the most remarkable Speakers of the House in the state's history, right behind Marco Rubio.
He was the architect of the DeSantis Freedom Agenda and passed it in the Florida House, possibly making it the most historic legislative session in state history. Freedom Agenda, the Free State of Florida. Get it? Now you know why I am worried.
Linda Hansen
Palm Coast
