Governor DeSantis Appoints State Senator Jay Collins as New Lieutenant Governor of Florida
TAMPA, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis has officially appointed State Senator Jay Collins as Florida’s new lieutenant governor, filling the vacancy left by Jeanette Nuñez’s resignation earlier this year. The announcement was made during a press event at the Tampa Green Beret Association, where Collins, a decorated former Green Beret, emphasized his commitment to serving the state.
Collins, who has garnered a reputation as a fierce advocate for gun rights and veterans’ issues, has been a close ally of DeSantis in the state Senate. His legislative record includes efforts to expand access to firearms and to lower the minimum gun purchase age back to 18, reflecting his strong stance on Second Amendment rights.
In his remarks following the swearing-in ceremony, Collins shared his inspiring journey from a childhood spent in a trailer park to the second-highest office in Florida. “I didn’t grow up with privilege or wealth. I was adopted, raised by my grandparents,” he said. “In our nation, you’re not defined by that. There are opportunities ahead of everybody… When you’ve lived a life of service… you don’t flinch when that next mission comes up. You just say, ‘Yes sir, let’s go.’”
Collins pledged to uphold the administration’s priorities, including bolstering Florida’s economy, supporting law enforcement, enforcing immigration laws, and resisting what he termed “failed policies” from Washington. “Florida doesn’t back down. We don’t turn our backs,” he declared. “We step up and we serve and we lead… That’s the Florida way.”
Governor DeSantis praised Collins, dubbing him “the Chuck Norris of Florida politics” for his combat service and disaster relief efforts. “You need somebody that’s going to run towards the fire,” DeSantis said, highlighting Collins’ record of delivering conservative wins in the Senate.
Collins’ appointment has drawn praise from the Republican Party of Florida, with Chairman Evan Power commending him as a reliable advocate for families and individual freedoms. However, the choice has raised concerns among Democrats. House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell expressed apprehension about Collins’ alignment with DeSantis, suggesting that the new lieutenant governor may not challenge the governor’s policies effectively.
Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried criticized the delay in appointing a new lieutenant governor and described Collins as “a foot soldier for DeSantis.” She argued that the appointment reflects DeSantis’ focus on his political legacy rather than the needs of Floridians.
As Collins steps into his new role, speculation mounts about his potential ambitions for the governorship in 2026. While he may have a platform to launch his own bid, polling indicates he starts far behind other potential candidates, including U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, who is gaining traction among Republican voters.
With the political landscape in Florida evolving, Collins’ appointment marks a significant chapter in the state’s governance, as he aims to navigate the challenges ahead while remaining loyal to DeSantis’ agenda.