DeSantis’ Lt Governor Launches Bid For Florida Governor

Republican Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins launched his bid Monday for Florida governor to replace Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, according to a report.

Collins cited his military experience while announcing his run for the governor’s house in a post on X. DeSantis will be leaving the governor’s mansion at the end of his second term next year. Collins, a former state senator and Army Green Beret, was appointed lieutenant governor by DeSantis to replace Jeanette Nuñez after she stepped down to become president of Florida International University.

“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,” Collins wrote.

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

The announcement from Collins comes after months of speculation as to when he would enter the Republican field after Republican Florida Rep. Byron Donalds received President Donald Trump’s endorsement prior to announcing his gubernatorial bid. (RELATED: Biden’s Inner Circle Must Be Held Accountable For Afghanistan Withdrawal)

While Donalds currently appears to be in a strong position, attention remains focused on Tallahassee, where Governor Ron DeSantis has not indicated whom he will support as his successor. Speculation has grown that Collins — appointed to the post by DeSantis in August — could enter the race with the governor’s backing.

The Sunshine state now is now ready for a second Republican inter-party battleground just two and a half years after DeSantis challenged Trump in his bid to retake the White House.

A Fabrizio, Lee & Associates poll, conducted between Jan. 4–6 of 600 likely Republican primary voters shows Donalds leading a hypothetical four-way race with 39%, ahead of Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis at 26%, while James Fishback and Paul Renner, the former speaker of the Florida House trail in the low single digits and nearly a third of voters remain undecided.

In a separate four-way scenario that swaps DeSantis for Collins, Donalds’ lead expands significantly. In that matchup, Donalds pulled 45% support, with Collins, Fishback, and Renner each drawing single-digit backing.

BREAKING: DeSantis Holds Off on Endorsing Lt Governor Jay Collins for Governor pic.twitter.com/bS8ix6cjSb

— Joan (@joanfromdc) January 12, 2026

The possibility of Collins joining the contest has heightened interest in who DeSantis may ultimately choose to endorse, and whether that decision will be driven by political strategy rather than personal considerations. The Daily Caller has previously reported that underlying tensions remain, with some observers arguing that if DeSantis declines to back Donalds, it may reflect the governor’s desire to chart an independent political path. (RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: Trump, DeSantis Could Be Destined For Head-To-Head Rematch In Key GOP Primary)

Strains between Donalds and DeSantis date back to 2023, when the two clashed over Florida’s African American history standards, and were further exacerbated after Donalds endorsed Trump in the 2024 presidential race — a move Donalds has acknowledged damaged their relationship.

Those tensions intensified as Donalds emerged as the race’s leading contender following Trump’s endorsement and encouragement to run in February, which Donalds acted on within days.

Several sources said the dynamics could set the stage for another proxy battle echoing past DeSantis — Trump conflicts, noting that the governor has signaled an interest in shaping his own succession while publicly questioning whether Donalds would be his preferred choice.

Honored to serve as Florida’s Lieutenant Governor and ready to fight every day for the people of our great state! 🇺🇸#DeedsNotWords https://t.co/MnhfsE5lbg

— Jay Collins (@JayCollinsFL) August 15, 2025

Insiders said any challenge from the DeSantis camp to Donalds would likely come from Collins, who has delayed his gubernatorial announcement amid efforts to secure the governor’s endorsement. Many expected him to enter the race in the fall, but a slow fundraising cycle and uncertainty over DeSantis’ backing have pushed the timeline back for months. (RELATED: Ron DeSantis Quips Socialist’s Win Will Send Florida Property Values To The Moon)

Many close to Collins’ camp rejected the idea that the endorsement was in jeopardy, pointing out that DeSantis has been hosting joint tele-town halls to highlight Collins’ leadership. Meanwhile, Fishback has quietly entered the race, drawing some anti-Donalds attention and adding a new wrinkle to the contest.