TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV/Gray Florida Capital Bureau) – Lt. Governor Jay Collins announced his campaign for Florida governor on social media Monday, joining a growing Republican field vying to replace Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Collins enters the race alongside Rep. Byron Donalds and former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, who already launched their campaigns last year.
“Never look away at an opportunity to make a difference,” Collins said. “We’re not afraid of the fight. We’re not afraid of this because ultimately, 23 and a half million people deserve good leadership.”
Collins was appointed lieutenant governor last summer after Janet Nunez became Florida International University’s president.
Trump endorsement shapes early race dynamics
President Donald Trump endorsed Donalds early in the campaign. The Donalds campaign released a statement saying, “Trump-endorsed Byron Donalds is the only proven conservative fighter who can unite Republicans, deliver on the President’s America First agenda, crush the Democrats, and make Florida more affordable. Anyone running against Byron is an anti-Trump RINO and will be soundly defeated in the Republican primary.”
Governor DeSantis has not announced his preferred successor, only stating he is not supporting Donalds or Renner.
Renner pushed back against DeSantis’ position, saying, “You can’t separate his legacy with what I’ve done. I was one of the architects of what we call the free state of Florida today. Eventually I’m confident I’ll have his support.”
Campaign advisors trade barbs
The Renner campaign fired back at Collins’ entry into the race. “Jay Collins is a fine man. But Paul Renner was working hard to build the Free State of Florida brand long before Jay even moved here. Renner is the only candidate with the proven leadership to protect that brand from the special interests and grifters trying to undermine it,” said Brett Doster, Renner for Governor Senior Advisor.
Early polling and analysis
Early polls show Donalds leading the expected crowded field. Political analyst Susan MacManus said the race has already attracted national attention.
“It’s already been identified by some of the national pundits as one of the top five governors’ races to watch next year,” MacManus said.
MacManus questioned whether endorsements will significantly impact voters, noting “Trump endorsements have had mixed results in some of the, you know, early elections this year preceding 2026.”
She also noted the late primary date could affect campaign dynamics. “And you really don’t know what is going to be the issue that’s going to drive people. Our primaries are late. They’re in August.”
Democrats David Jolly and Jerry Demings are also running for governor.
The primary election is scheduled for August 18, with the general election on November 3.
Copyright 2026 WCTV. All rights reserved.