Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins Enters Crowded Republican Race for Governor
By Space Coast Daily // January 12, 2026
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins has entered the race to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis, adding to an already crowded Republican primary field.
Collins announced his candidacy in a post on X, pointing to his military background as the foundation of his leadership style. “I’m running for Governor because leadership is forged under pressure, not in soundbites,” Collins wrote. He cited his more than 23 years of service in the U.S. military, primarily as a Green Beret, saying the experience instilled accountability and a commitment to public service.
With his announcement, Collins joins a Republican field that includes Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, former Republican congressman David Jolly, investor James Fishback and U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds.
The Donalds campaign quickly responded to Collins’ entry. Ryan Smith, chief strategist for the Byron Donalds for Governor campaign, emphasized Donalds’ endorsement by former President Donald Trump and criticized other candidates in the race. Smith said Donalds is the only candidate capable of uniting Republicans and advancing an America First agenda, adding that challengers would be defeated in the primary.
Collins was appointed lieutenant governor in August 2025, replacing Jeanette Nuñez, who stepped down to become president of Florida International University. Prior to that role, Collins was elected in November 2022 to represent Tampa and eastern Hillsborough County in the Florida Senate, defeating incumbent Democrat Janet Cruz.
During his time in the Legislature, Collins served as chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee and vice chair of the Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee. He also held seats on several appropriations committees, as well as the Pre-K Education and Ethics and Elections committees.
Gov. DeSantis publicly praised Collins last summer, referring to him as the “Chuck Norris of Florida politics,” a comment that drew applause and highlighted Collins’ reputation for toughness and discipline.
Collins’ military career includes service in the Army Special Forces, where he earned a Purple Heart for combat injuries. Years later, he underwent a leg amputation related to those injuries but re-qualified for active duty before eventually retiring from the military. After his retirement, Collins founded a nonprofit organization focused on supporting veterans, first responders and Floridians in need.
