TALLAHASSEE—Florida Senate President Ben Albritton used his hefty political war chest to dissuade Lieutenant Gov. Jay Collins from jumping into the 2026 race for agriculture commissioner, according to two Republicans familiar with the matter.
When Albritton caught wind earlier this year that Collins was considering a bid for the Cabinet position –which Albritton has long eyed– the Senate President promptly approached the Tampa Republican and pointed to his wealthy political committees.
“Albritton told Jay, ‘I have $25 million in the bank,’ essentially telling him the job was his,” one Republican told The Floridian. The source said the conversation took place during a special legislative session in February—months before Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Collins as lieutenant governor.
Collins backed off. He declined to comment for this story.
While accounts differ on when the conversation took place, both insiders said Collins' interest in the job was less about wanting to become Ag commissioner and more about securing a post-Senate landing spot or a backup plan if a gubernatorial campaign fell through.
Another operative confirmed the conversation, believing it happened in the following months. This Republican claims Collins’ pursuit for Ag commissioner was just him "kicking tires" to potentially find an "out strategy" to running for governor.
"I've definitely heard that Collins is weighing all options," the source said.
Collins has long been speculated to run for governor in 2026 as DeSantis’s hand-picked successor. But that doesn’t mean it’ll be an easy path.
Despite his new role in the DeSantis administration, the LG would face Rep. Byron Donalds, the Trump-endorsed congressman boasting nearly $25 million split between his campaign account and political committee. Collins’ committee has raised about $1 million, campaign finance records show.
Collins isn't the only one toying with a bid to take on Donalds. As first reported by The Floridian, former House Speaker Paul Renner has also approached DeSantis about running.
Another potential candidate is Simpson, the Ag Commissioner, and even First Lady Casey DeSantis, though many believe her campaign would be unlikely after a foundation she championed was wrought with scandal.
Albritton has eyed the state's top agriculture role for years, insiders say. A citrus farmer who prioritized rural communities during his first Senate presidency, it's widely thought that the job is his once he declares.
Albritton, 57, has a reported net worth of $2.4 million. The political committee Friends of Ben Albritton has raised $13.4 million and spent $1.5 million, and the PC Advancing Florida Agriculture has raised $9.1 million and spent $7.6 million. He has one more year as Senate President.
A representative for Albritton's office did not respond to a request for comment.
