On Thursday, GOPAC announced its latest “Class of Emerging Leaders" and included a member of the Florida House in it.
State Rep. Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, was named to the group by GOPAC which defines its class as “a list of promising legislators selected for their potential and ability to impact their state and the Republican Party.” More than 25 other state legislators across the nation were named to the class but Renner, who represents all of Flagler County and parts of St. Johns and Volusia Counties in the House, was the only legislator chosen from the Sunshine State.
David Avella, the chairman of GOPAC, praised Renner and his fellow classmates on Thursday.
“As we grow the roster of Republicans who are ready to lead in their state legislatures and run for higher office, our 2017 Class of Emerging Leaders exemplifies men and women focused on boosting their state's efforts to create jobs and protect their communities,” Avella said. “This year's honorees join the members of Congress, statewide elected officials and state legislative leaders who have benefited from our mission and programs. We welcome their involvement and are excited to help foster their success.”
Renner and the other legislators in the class will be taking part in GOPAC’s Emerging Leaders Summit in June.
After serving in the Persian Gulf and in Afghanistan with the Navy, Renner helped lead the GOP on the First Coast before running for an open state House seat representing parts of Jacksonville in 2014. Renner lost to Jay Fant by only two votes in the Republican primary. After another House seat opened up in 2015, Renner ran for it and won.
Since coming to Tallahassee, Renner has emerged as a possible candidate for the speakership. Renner is currently one of the leaders in the House as it looks to eliminate Enterprise Florida.
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