TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins announced he has joined the crowded Republican field to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis.

“I’m running for Governor because leadership is forged under pressure, not in soundbites. 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. That experience shaped how I lead and why I believe public office is a public trust,” he wrote in a post on X. 

I’m running for Governor because leadership is forged under pressure, not in soundbites. 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. That experience shaped…

— Jay Collins (@JayCollinsFL) January 12, 2026

He now joins a crowded Republican field that includes Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, investor James Fishback and Congressman Byron Donalds. There are two Democrats currently in the race as well, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and former Republican congressman David Jolly.

Although he recently announced his entry into the race, the campaign for Donalds was quick to react. 

“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,” Chief Strategist for the Byron Donalds for Governor Campaign Ryan Smith said.

Collins was appointed as lieutenant governor in August 2025. | Read story

He replaced Jeanette Nunez, who left office to become president of Florida International University.

Collins was first elected to office in November 2022 to represent Tampa and East Hillsborough County, defeating incumbent Democrat Janet Cruz.

In August, DeSantis called him the “Chuck Norris of Florida politics,” drawing a round of applause. He was referencing the action film star who is also famous for his work in martial arts.

In the Florida Legislature, Collins was chairman of the Senate’s transportation committee, vice chair of the military and veterans affairs, space, and domestic security committee, has served on multiple appropriations committee and was on the pre-K education and ethics and elections committees.

Collins served in the Army Special Forces, earning the Purple Heart for his service in combat during his 23-year military career. He is a former Green Beret and had a leg amputated years after sustaining a serious injury but re-qualified to return to active duty.

After retiring from the military, Collins founded a nonprofit organization supporting veterans, first responders and Floridians in need.

DeSantis cannot seek reelection because of term limits.

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