Collins Launches Campaign for Florida Governor
Republican Lt. Gov. Jay Collins officially kicked off his campaign for Florida governor on Monday, aiming to succeed Ron DeSantis.
In his announcement, Collins highlighted his military background. He shared his thoughts in a post stating, “I’m running for governor because leadership is developed under pressure, not through arguments. I served over 23 years in the U.S. Army, primarily as a Green Beret. Responsibility is real, decisions have consequences, and service is prioritized over self. This experience has shaped the way I lead and why I believe public office is a public trust.”
DeSantis will wrap up his second term next year, leaving the governor’s mansion. Collins, who previously served as a state senator and was appointed lieutenant governor by DeSantis, took over for Janet Nunez after her resignation from Florida International University.
The timing of Collins’ announcement follows months of speculation regarding Florida Republican Rep. Byron Donald’s potential run. Donald has gained traction after receiving an endorsement from Donald Trump. There’s a palpable buzz around Tallahassee as many wonder whom DeSantis will support to take his place. Some believe Collins, having been appointed by DeSantis, might enjoy the governor’s backing.
It’s interesting—just a couple of years back, DeSantis challenged Trump for the Republican nomination. Now, Florida is on the brink of becoming a significant battleground in the Republican primaries.
According to a recent poll, Donald leads a hypothetical four-way primary with 39% support, followed by Casey DeSantis at 26%, while others like James Fishbach and Paul Renner trail in single digits. Interestingly, if DeSantis and Collins were exchanged in the poll, Donald would expand his lead considerably.
Collins’ potential candidacy seems to have stirred up interest in how DeSantis will navigate his endorsements. Some insiders speculate that if DeSantis withholds support from Donald, it might signal a desire for political independence, which could have its own consequences.
The tension between DeSantis and Donald can be traced back to their disagreements over Florida’s educational standards, becoming more complicated when Donald lent his support to Trump for the 2024 presidential run. This, reportedly, has strained their relationship.
As Donald appears to gain momentum following Trump’s endorsement, some think Collins could be positioned as a challenger from the DeSantis camp. However, Collins has faced delays in formally announcing his candidacy, partly due to uncertainties surrounding DeSantis’ support. Initially expected to join the race in the fall, various factors have stretched out the timeline.
Despite the speculation, insiders close to Collins have brushed off any notion that his candidacy hinges solely on DeSantis’ endorsement. They pointed out that the governor is actively promoting Collins’ leadership, while Fischbach quietly seeks attention amidst the growing competition.
