Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins formally announced Monday that he will run for governor, setting the stage for a high-profile race to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is barred from seeking another term due to term limits.
Collins previously served in the Florida Senate before DeSantis selected him to replace former Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez, who stepped down to become president of Florida International University. A longtime ally of the governor, Collins quickly became a prominent figure in the administration.
In a Facebook post outlining his decision, Collins emphasized his military background and the values he says it instilled in him.
“I’m running for Governor because leadership is forged under pressure, not in soundbites,” Collins wrote. “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.”
Collins’ entry into the race introduces the potential for yet another political clash between DeSantis and former President Donald Trump. Trump has already endorsed U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds for the Republican nomination, signaling an early divide within Florida’s GOP ranks.
First elected to the state Senate in 2022, Collins has been regarded as one of DeSantis’ closest legislative allies. Tensions between the governor and GOP lawmakers aligned with Trump have grown in recent months, following DeSantis’ challenge to Trump during the 2024 presidential primary.
A Montana native, Collins has frequently spoken about the obstacles he faced growing up, including periods of homelessness during high school. He later joined the Army Special Forces, ultimately serving more than two decades. After losing a leg during his military career, Collins remained on active duty and continued serving for five additional years as a Green Beret, according to his campaign biography.
