Florida’s race for governor turned straight into an education slugfest Friday in Orlando, as candidates clashed over how much to pay teachers and how far the state should go with private-school vouchers. Onstage at a statewide PTA gathering, would-be governors rolled out competing plans to raise salaries, rework testing and decide whether taxpayer money should follow students into private classrooms.
At The PTA Leadership Convention
The Florida PTA hosted its 2026 Leadership Convention this week at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, drawing PTA leaders and policy sessions from across the state. The event, which runs July 9–12, included candidate appearances and a Senate forum focused on education issues, according to Florida PTA.
Candidates Put Teacher Pay On The Table
Gubernatorial hopefuls, including Rep. Byron Donalds, former House Speaker Paul Renner, investor James Fishback and Democrat David Jolly, used the convention stage to promise higher salaries and to defend or rework Florida’s rapidly expanded voucher system, as reported by the Orlando Sentinel. The tone ranged from careful outreach to sweeping calls for change, but most of the field said they would boost teacher pay if elected.
Donalds Pushes National Exams, A ‘Universal Scorecard’ And Apprenticeships
Rep. Byron Donalds called for a major overhaul of Florida’s standardized testing system, arguing that the state should lean more on national exams such as the ACT and SAT and adopt what he described as a “universal scorecard” to measure student outcomes. He also pressed for expanded apprenticeship pathways for students who do not pursue college, remarks that stretched to nearly 30 minutes at the convention, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
Renner Stands By 2023 Voucher Expansion
Paul Renner, the former House speaker and one of the architects behind Florida’s 2023 voucher expansion, defended school choice while also saying teachers deserve higher pay. The 2023 law opened Education Savings Accounts to all K‑12 students, a shift often labeled “vouchers-for-all,” and critics argue it has moved public dollars away from traditional schools, according to The Washington Post.
Fishback’s Big Raise Pitch And Trail Backlash
Long‑shot Republican James Fishback pitched a 25% pay raise for public‑sector workers, including teachers, while continuing to back broad school choice, as reported by Orlando Weekly. At the same time, Fishback has drawn criticism for inflammatory rhetoric on the trail, including his use of the antisemitic slang “goyslop” at campaign events, a pattern flagged by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Jolly’s ‘Renaissance’ Plan: Let Tourists Help Pay Teachers
Democrat David Jolly unveiled what he calls a 10‑year “renaissance” for public education, built around redirecting a portion of tourist‑development tax revenue to teacher salaries and school infrastructure. His campaign says the approach could raise teacher pay by roughly 30% over time, according to reporting on his big bet on storm insurance and schools.
Why Pay And Vouchers Matter
The fight over these proposals is set against sobering statistics. The National Education Association lists Florida near the bottom of state averages for teacher pay, and watchdogs have raised alarms about the rising cost and limited transparency of the state’s scholarship system since HB 1 took effect in 2023. Taken together, teacher pay levels and the rapid growth of state‑funded scholarship programs are central reasons education advocates are watching this governor’s race closely, according to the NEA.
What To Watch Next
Education is expected to remain a constant theme in campaign stops and debates as the August primary nears. Florida’s statewide primary is set for Aug. 18, 2026, and candidates are likely to keep making their case to parents, teachers and PTA leaders across the state. Local outlets are tracking the election calendar and upcoming campaign forums ahead of the vote, according to FOX 35 Orlando.
