Florida’s Republican race for governor is intensifying, with two candidates making campaign stops in the Tampa Bay area Monday.
Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, who spoke in St. Petersburg, pushed back against speculation that he may drop out of the race, telling voters he is “not suspending” his campaign despite trailing significantly in recent polls.
He also added that his campaign is announcing a “seven-figure statewide media buy,” ramping up his efforts in this race.
Collins’ announcement comes as the latest poll from Emerson College shows U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds holds a 42-point lead in the Republican primary; however, 39% of voters remain undecided.
“The best indicator of future potential is past performance, and I find his performance wanting,” Collins said of Donalds. “I find his decision-making wanting.”
About 45 miles away in Sarasota, Donalds made his own pitch to voters, highlighting his personal story and priorities as he continues to solidify his position as the Republican frontrunner.
“I moved here at 17 years old — 30 years ago. I’ve built the Florida dream for myself,” he said. “I want a Florida that is bigger, better and brighter than it’s ever been before.”
His platform has been centered on immigration, affordability and alignment with President Donald Trump’s agenda. The president backed Donalds in this race before he even officially announced his candidacy.
Collins has also expressed an alignment with the president and Gov. Ron DeSantis in his campaign as well as a commitment to keeping Florida on its current path.
However, DeSantis has not publicly endorsed Collins — a notable absence in a race where endorsements could prove decisive.
When 10 Tampa Bay News asked directly about a potential endorsement, Collins declined to provide details about private conversations but said, “I was handpicked by Governor DeSantis to be his lieutenant governor. When he put me in this position, he said, ‘Jay is Day 1 ready.’ … I have the governor’s back, and I know he has mine.”
The Republican primary field remains crowded, though much of the attention has centered on Collins and Donalds.
On the Democratic side, former Congressman David Jolly is emerging as a leading contender.
In a statement, Jolly said Republicans are engaged in “a hard family conversation” and welcomed a general election matchup against whoever wins the GOP nomination.
Florida’s gubernatorial primary is scheduled for Aug. 18, with the general election set for Nov. 3.
The race comes as DeSantis reaches his term limit, leaving the governor’s office open for the first time in eight years.