Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins launched his 2026 gubernatorial campaign on Monday to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), becoming the latest Republican to join the crowded field of candidates.
“I’m running for Governor because leadership is forged under pressure, not in soundbites,” Collins wrote on X, sharing a Fox News article on his announcement. “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.”
DeSantis appointed Collins as his lieutenant governor in August 2025 to fill a six-month vacancy left by Jeanette Nunez, who went on to serve as president at Florida International University.
It is likely DeSantis will back Collins for governor, given their existing work relationship, if Casey DeSantis, the governor’s wife, does not end up running. As of Monday afternoon, DeSantis has not commented on Collins’s bid. The sitting governor is unable to run for a third term this year.
The Republican lieutenant governor is now entering the GOP gubernatorial primary, which includes Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, and political newcomer James Fishback. President Donald Trump backs Donalds, while DeSantis does not.
Before becoming lieutenant governor, Collins started serving as a state senator in 2022. He was a staunch DeSantis ally during his legislative tenure.
The Florida Republican Party reacted positively to the launch of Collins’s campaign.
Collins “has entered the Governor’s race,” the Florida GOP said. “He’s worked hard to strengthen our state and put Florida first. Welcome to the race!”
Meanwhile, the Democratic Governors Association poured cold water on the news.
“Two decades of failed Republican rule have left Florida with skyrocketing costs — and Ron DeSantis’ right-hand man Jay Collins would only make things worse,” DGA spokesman Kevin Donohoe said. “Floridians want real solutions, but Collins and his Republican opponents only offer more of the failed status quo that has left working families behind and turned Florida into one of the least affordable states in the country. With Collins in the race, Republicans are set to spend the next eight months locked in a brutal and expensive race to the right that will damage whoever wins the nomination.”
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Florida’s Democratic primary is less notable, with the main candidates being former Republican Rep. David Jolly and Democratic Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings. Jolly registered as a Democrat in April 2025 before announcing his candidacy two months later.
Collins is scheduled to announce his bid for governor in Tallahassee at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, according to a media advisory released by his new campaign.