FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Three candidates for Florida governor shared the stage Thursday night for a Republican gubernatorial debate, making their case to voters.
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Former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner spoke first.
“As your governor, I will make Florida affordable. I will keep it safe. I’ll protect our environment and keep our state free,” Renner said.
He was followed by Lt. Gov. Jay Collins.
“The left, what do they want to see? They want to see the free State of Florida devolve. They want to see it break down and be soft on crime, soft on DEI,” Collins said.
Businessman and investor James Fishback addressed the crowd next.
“I am in this race to do two things: to preserve Governor DeSantis’ extraordinary legacy and to fight to make our state more affordable,” Fishback said.
The debate turned heated early on over building data centers in Florida.
“Hire me as governor and we will ban every data center in all 67 counties,” Fishback said.
Collins pushed back.
“James, let me ask you a question. How do you think the people in the cities and counties are going to feel about the state government coming in and taking control?” Collins asked.
As Fishback tried to respond, Collins continued.
“Let me finish talking, man. Please, come on. They want local leadership,” Collins said.
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Renner also challenged Collins on the issue.
“You’ve said that it’s not possible for the state to regulate hyperscale data centers at the state level. Why do you believe that it is? If you believe that the state shouldn’t be involved, why did you sponsor a bill to give them permanent tax incentives at the expense of everybody watching tonight?” Renner asked.
“You’re misrepresenting,” Collins responded.
The candidates also addressed education in the state.
“Well, I’ll start by resetting the standards of what constitutes an A. Right now, it’s far too low,” Renner said.
“The teachers need a raise if they’re doing what is expected of them,” Fishback said.
“We want the best for our kids,” Collins added. “I don’t want them to be just OK. We want them to be thought leaders, industry leaders.”
During a lightning round, the candidates also showed where they stand on other major issues.
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