In a significant political development for Florida's 2026 gubernatorial race, Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins announced his intention to run for governor on Monday. Collins aims to fill the vacancy created by the outgoing incumbent, Governor Ron DeSantis, who is barred by term limits from seeking another consecutive term.
Collins’ candidacy thrusts him into a Republican primary contest against U.S. Representative Byron Donalds, who holds the endorsement of former President Donald Trump. Selected by DeSantis last August to serve as his lieutenant governor, Collins currently does not have the sitting governor’s endorsement for the upcoming election. Governor DeSantis has publicly refrained from backing any candidate in this year's race, emphasizing that he will make his participation in the primary clear if he chooses to engage.
Through a post on X, Collins communicated the motivation behind his campaign: “I’m running for Governor because leadership is forged under pressure, not in soundbites.” He reflected on his 23 years of service in the U.S. military, predominantly as a Green Beret, highlighting the ethos of accountability and selflessness that has shaped his leadership approach. Collins specifically noted that military service instills an understanding that public office should be treated as a public trust.
Originally from Montana, Collins has openly discussed overcoming substantial personal hardships in his life, including experiencing homelessness during his high school years. Afterward, he enlisted in the Army Special Forces. Despite losing a leg during his military career, he continued to serve for five additional years as a Green Beret utilizing a prosthetic limb, underscoring his resilience and dedication, according to his campaign biography.
His post-military career includes work focused on disaster relief as the chief operating officer of Operation BBQ Relief, an organization that provides cooked meals and mobile kitchen support in the wake of natural catastrophes. Demonstrating his commitment to humanitarian aid, Collins traveled to Israel last June to assist with state-funded evacuation flights supporting Americans amidst the conflict involving missile strikes between Israel and Iran.
In Florida’s political structure, the lieutenant governor role is primarily ceremonial with limited official duties, except stepping in if the governor is unable to serve. Collins secured election to the Florida Senate in 2022, representing a state legislature dominated by Republicans, and is widely regarded as a close ally of Governor DeSantis within the legislative branch.
During a press conference held on Monday, DeSantis referred to Collins as a “good guy” but stated that he had not yet made any decision regarding endorsements in the gubernatorial race. “If I get involved in the primary, you’ll know it,” DeSantis remarked.
Governor DeSantis was first elected in 2018 and successfully reelected in 2022. Florida state law restricts governors to two consecutive four-year terms.
Besides Collins and Donalds, other Republican candidates for the 2026 primary include Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett, Azoria CEO James Fishback, former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, and activist Bobby Williams.
On the Democratic side, Orlando Mayor Jerry Demings and former Republican U.S. Representative David Jolly have declared their candidacies for governor.