Small County, Big Voice: Mayo to Host Key 2026 Gubernatorial Candidate Events

MAYO, FL - The political spotlight is shifting toward Lafayette County as the 2026 gubernatorial race heats up, bringing high-profile candidates directly to the heart of Mayo. The Lafayette Republican Party of Florida has officially announced a duo of upcoming "Meet the Candidate" events at the Mayo Community Center, offering local voters a front-row seat to the battle for Florida’s future. Former House Speaker Paul Renner and investor James Fishback are slated to take the stage in back-to-back months, each looking to secure the support of North Florida’s conservative base ahead of the August 18 primary.

Will the GOP Primary Sizzle in Mayo?

The race to succeed Governor Ron DeSantis is already proving to be a high-stakes showdown, and Mayo is becoming a critical pit stop for those hoping to gain momentum. Former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner will be the first to arrive, with his event scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026, at 6:30 PM. Renner has centered much of his campaign on his "Florida First Affordability Plan," which aims to tackle rising property taxes and insurance costs, according to reports from Florida Politics. Having presided over what some have called the "Session of the Century" in Tallahassee, Renner is leaning on his legislative record of universal school choice and tax cuts to win over rural voters who prioritize fiscal conservatism and traditional values.

A Radical Proposal or a Master Plan?

Exactly one month after Renner’s visit, the Mayo Community Center will host James Fishback on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 6:30 PM. Fishback, an investor and CEO, has recently made national headlines with a provocative proposal to implement a 50% "sin tax" on OnlyFans creators within the state. According to CBS Miami, Fishback intends to use the projected revenue from this tax to significantly boost teacher pay and improve the quality of school lunches across Florida. While he currently trails in some polls behind Trump-endorsed candidates like U.S. Representative Byron Donalds, Fishback's outsider message and bold fiscal ideas are designed to disrupt the status quo and capture the attention of voters looking for a non-traditional leader.

The Road to the Governor’s Mansion Starts Here

These events come at a pivotal time as the 2026 election cycle begins to dominate the state's news cycle. With the primary election set for August 18, 2026, and the general election following on November 3, 2026, candidates are scrambling to define themselves in a crowded field that now includes Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins, according to WUFT News. For residents of Lafayette County, these meetings represent a rare opportunity to ask tough questions about local concerns, from agricultural protections to rural infrastructure, before the rest of the state heads to the ballot box. The Lafayette Republican Party’s initiative ensures that Mayo remains more than just a dot on the map, but a decisive voice in the selection of Florida’s next leader.

Lafayette News Disclosure: This article is provided as a community service to inform local residents of upcoming events and candidate platforms. Please note that this article is not paid for, sponsored, or endorsed by any political party, candidate, or political action committee.

As you prepare to head to the Mayo Community Center on February 2nd and March 2nd, having a clear set of questions ready can ensure that the needs of Lafayette County are at the forefront of the conversation.

Below is a list of targeted questions curated for citizens to ask Paul Renner and James Fishback regarding the two pillars of our community: Education and Agriculture.

Questions Regarding Education & Local Infrastructure

• The $44 Million School Project: "Lafayette County is seeking state funding for a new K-12 school that includes the county’s first hardened emergency storm shelter. Since we haven't received state construction funding since 1996, how will you ensure our small district isn't overlooked in favor of larger, high-growth counties?"
• Teacher Retention in Rural Districts: "With the rising cost of living, rural teachers often feel the pinch more than those in urban areas. Beyond statewide minimums, what specific plans do you have to help rural counties like ours recruit and retain high-quality educators?"
• The Impact of School Choice: "As a small district with only one public school system, how will your 'universal school choice' policies protect the financial stability of rural districts where there are no private alternatives to compete for those funds?"
• Funding for Vocational Training: "Many of our students want to stay in Lafayette County and work in trades or agriculture. Will you commit to increasing state grants specifically for rural vocational and FFA programs?"

Questions Regarding Agriculture & Rural Economy

• Rising Input Costs: "The cost of fertilizer and fuel is eating away at the thin margins of our family farms. What state-level tax relief or subsidies will you propose to help North Florida farmers survive these rising operational costs?"
• Family Lands Protection: "Developers are constantly eyeing rural Florida. Do you support fully funding the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program to ensure our farmland stays in production rather than being turned into housing developments?"
• Global Trade & Local Impact: "Our livestock and crop producers are often the first to suffer during international trade disputes. How will you use the Governor’s office to advocate for Florida-grown products on the national and global stage?"
• Water Rights & Regulation: "What is your stance on protecting the water rights of agricultural producers in the Suwannee River Basin while balancing the state’s environmental regulations?"

Questions for James Fishback (Specific to his Platform)

• The "Sin Tax" Allocation: "You’ve proposed a tax on OnlyFans creators to fund teacher pay. If that revenue falls short of projections, what is your 'Plan B' for ensuring rural teachers in counties like Lafayette see a significant raise?"
• Outsider Perspective: "As a candidate coming from the investment world, how do you plan to familiarize yourself with the unique, day-to-day challenges of the Florida agricultural industry?"

Questions for Paul Renner (Specific to his Record)

• Legislative Follow-Through: "You have a strong record in the House, but many rural issues get lost in the shuffle of big-city politics. If elected Governor, how will you ensure that 'rural' doesn't just mean 'forgotten' when the state budget is being signed?"
• Property Insurance Reform: "Rural homeowners in Lafayette County are seeing skyrocketing insurance rates just like those on the coast. What is your specific plan to lower premiums for inland, rural residents?"