WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins brought his campaign for governor to Boca Raton on Thursday, pitching himself as a proven conservative leader focused on public safety, immigration enforcement, and easing the state’s affordability crisis.

Collins, who is seeking the Republican nomination, believes Florida is on the right track and argued his approach is rooted in meeting voters where they are.

“In Florida, nothing is ever going to be given to you; you got to earn it in this state. That means you got to go see people for who they are, how they are, where they are,” Collins said.

His Boca Raton visit was part of a multi-city campaign swing as the GOP field takes shape. Collins is running alongside several other candidates, including Trump-backed U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds.

A new American Promise poll of likely Republican primary voters shows Donalds leading at 44%.

Collins, however, pointed to his legislative record as evidence that he can deliver results.

“The best indicator of future performance is past performance. I passed 55 bills in 3 years. Some of the people I’m running against have passed 3,” he said.

Collins was first elected to the Florida Senate in 2022 and has been viewed as one of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ key allies in the Legislature. He said he wants to continue that vision, emphasizing a “law and order” approach and strong support for police.

“We stand for our law enforcement, we have their back. Hard stop, unequivocally,” Collins said.

On immigration, Collins argued illegal immigration is costing Florida billions and said he wants to keep strong partnerships with federal agencies.

He also warned that drug traffickers are changing their methods as security increases at the southern border, including a shift toward Florida.

“Now they’re moving into maritime lands, I’m hearing – they’re going to continue to adapt, and we’re going to have to adapt around them,” Collins said.

Collins also addressed affordability, saying Florida’s insurance market is stronger following recent reforms. He said he is still looking for ways to put more money back into residents’ pockets, including eliminating homestead property taxes.

“Serious times – they call for serious leaders, and that’s who I am, that’s what I do,” Collins said.

Collins is scheduled to continue campaigning on Friday with a stop in Jacksonville. Florida’s primary election is in August.