Community leaders, conservative grassroots operatives, and local advocates unite behind Renner’s Florida First vision
PALM COAST, FL— Today, the Paul Renner for Governor campaign announced the Hillsborough County Grassroots Leadership Team, a coalition of community and faith leaders, grassroots volunteers, and business owners committed to building a stronger future for Florida.
The group of grassroots operatives will spearhead local engagement efforts across the Hillsborough County region by mobilizing supporters, and bringing Renner’s Florida First message of affordability, public safety, and parental rights directly to voters.
“Florida’s success has always come from strong communities and engaged residents,” said Paul Renner. “I’m honored to have grassroots leaders from every corner of our state standing with us as we fight to keep Florida free, prosperous, and the national leader for conservative governance.”
The Hillsborough County Grassroots Leadership Committee includes:
- Robert Castro, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps*
- Terry Castro, retired businesswoman, member of the board, Florida Federated Republican Women, and Past President, Tampa Republican Women Federated
- Rebecca DeBoer, Past President, North Hillsborough Republican Club
- Thomas Gates, Captain, U.S. Air Force, Retired* and inductee of the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame
- Hon. Shawn Harrison, former legislator
- Robin Lankford, retired, Past President Tampa Republican Women Federated
- Mack Mackson, Major, U.S. Air Force, Retired*
- Dr. Dan Middlebrooks, Major Chaplain, U.S. Army, Retired* and founder and CEO of Heroes Heart and First Responder Fellowship, Sr. Pastor Turkey Creek First Baptist Church
- John Mueller, Attorney
- Jorge Rodriguez, Colonel, U.S. Army, Retired*
- Lori Santarsiere, Real Estate Agent
- April Schiff, long-time Republican Consultant
- Gordon J. Schiff, Attorney
- Sherry Shitler, retired, Past President Plant City Women’s Federated
- Hon. Deborah Tamargo, Former Hillsborough Republican Executive Committee Chair and former legislator
- Judy Wise, Founder and President Honoring Our Heroes, and Former President of the Plant City Republican Women Federated
*** Endorsements are personal in nature, and do not represent any affiliated organizations.
“Paul Renner is a principled conservative who delivers results,” said former State Rep. Shawn Harrison.“Under Renner’s leadership, we protected our freedom, provided economic opportunity to families, and kept our state moving forward. His bold leadership as Governor is what we need to continue as the Free State of Florida.”
Since launching his campaign for governor, Renner has continued to earn support from conservative leaders and grassroots activists who share his commitment to defending Florida values.
The Hillsborough County Grassroots Leadership Committee represents the newest additions to a statewide network of regional leaders organizing in support of Paul Renner’s bid for governor in 2026.