Florida’s Lt. Governor Jay Collins is putting his hat in the ring to succeed Ron DeSantis as governor. <\/p>\n
On social media, the Tampa Republican confirmed his bid for the role, saying he’s running because “leadership is forged under pressure, not in soundbites.” <\/p>\n
“I served over 23 years in the United States military, mainly as a Green Beret, where accountability is real, decisions have consequences, and service comes before self,” Collins wrote. “That experience shaped how I lead and why I believe public office is a public trust.” <\/p>\n
Collins’ bid comes months after DeSantis picked him to be the state’s lieutenant governor. According to WUSF government reporter Douglas Soule, that role is mainly ceremonial. He’s next up in line of succession if the current governor is no longer able to serve. <\/p>\n
ALSO READ: Florida has a new lieutenant governor, Jay Collins. What do they do?<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cFriends, the battlefield, it may change, but the mission stays the same \u2014 we are going to protect and preserve everything that matters,\u201d Collins said upon his appointment. \u201cI want you to know that I’ve got my sleeves rolled up, I’ve got my running leg on, and we are ready to get things done, because here’s what you got to remember: When Florida leads, America wins.\u201d<\/p>\n According to his bio<\/a>, Collins is a decorated Army Special Forces combat veteran who sustained debilitating injuries, leading to him losing his leg. He then served five more years following his amputation as a Green Beret. <\/p>\n After that, he started a position with Operation BBQ Relief, which is a nonprofit group that provides meals to disaster-affected communities. <\/p>\n He then became a Florida state senator in 2022, where he had DeSantis’ endorsement. He was also a vocal ally of the governor during this time. According to his bio, he authored and passed more than 55 bills and secured over $120 million in funding to help Tampa Bay, support Florida’s First Responders and Veterans, and invest in education. <\/p>\n Prominent Republican contenders for the 2026 race include: Rep. Byron Donalds<\/a> \u2014 who has President Donald Trump’s endorsement \u2014 investor James Fishback<\/a> and former House Speaker Paul Renner. Those on the Democratic side include Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings<\/a> and former Republican congressman turned Democrat David Jolly. <\/p>\n