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PULSE POINTS
❓WHAT HAPPENED: Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins (R) announced his candidacy for governor on Monday, joining the race to succeed Governor Ron DeSantis (R), who is term-limited.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, Gov. Ron DeSantis, U.S. Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL), former Florida House Republican Speaker Paul Renner, and James Fishback.
📍WHEN & WHERE: Announcement made on Monday; the Florida gubernatorial election is in November 2026.
💬KEY QUOTE: “I’m running for Governor to keep Florida strong and to build on the legacy of leadership that has made our state the model for the nation.” – Jay Collins
🎯IMPACT: Collins enters a competitive GOP primary field, vowing to continue DeSantis’ legacy and back President Donald J. Trump’s America First agenda.
IN FULL
Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins (R) has officially announced his candidacy for governor, entering the race to replace current Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL), who is term-limited. Collins, a former Green Beret, emphasized his leadership experience in his announcement.
“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,” Collins said in a statement, adding: “That experience shaped how I lead and why I believe public office is a public trust.”
Collins, who was appointed lieutenant governor by DeSantis in August, referred to his partnership with the current governor in advancing a “bold, conservative agenda.” He stated, “In the Legislature and as Lieutenant Governor, I’ve worked alongside Governor Ron DeSantis to deliver results and advance a bold, conservative agenda. I did not come to chase headlines. I came to deliver results.”
The GOP primary for the gubernatorial race is shaping up to be competitive, with other contenders including Trump-backed U.S. Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL), former Florida House Republican Speaker Paul Renner, and former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) advisor James Fishback. Collins also expressed his intent to be a “strong partner” for President Donald J. Trump, aligning his platform with the America First agenda.
“As Governor, I will be a strong partner to President Trump in fighting for secure borders, a strong economy, and an America First agenda that puts families and freedom first. This moment demands discipline, courage, and leaders willing to do what is right, even when it is hard. I am ready to lead. I am ready to Keep Florida Strong!” Collins declared.
When his appointment as Lieutenant Governor was announced, Collins faced backlash over allegations that a nonprofit group he had worked with since 2018 had mandated diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies and requirements for employees and contractors, with Governor DeSantis defending him against accusations that he is “woke.”
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