On Monday, Florida’s Lieutenant Governor, Jay Collins, announced his candidacy for governor, aiming to take over from the incumbent, Ron DeSantis, who cannot run again in 2026.
In a statement, Collins emphasized his belief in leadership being forged through adversity rather than mere words. Highlighting his 23 years of service in the U.S. military, particularly as a Green Beret, he remarked on the significance of accountability and selflessness in decision-making. “Public office is the people’s trust,” Collins noted.
DeSantis, a Republican leader, praised Collins, calling him the “Chuck Norris of Florida politics.” Collins previously served in the state Senate before entering the gubernatorial primary, which is likely to include other Trump-backed candidates like Rep. Byron Donald and former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner.
In his announcement, Collins referenced his collaboration with DeSantis, stating, “We chose Florida as our family’s home because it embodies freedom, opportunity, and personal responsibility.” He mentioned his efforts in Congress and as lieutenant governor to push for conservative policies aimed at yielding results. Collins expressed his commitment to law enforcement and the well-being of communities in Florida.
He also indicated a desire to work closely with Donald Trump if elected, aiming to continue Florida’s legacy as a national example of effective governance. Collins said he would prioritize secure borders, a robust economy, and family-first policies, declaring himself prepared to tackle difficult challenges as a leader.
