This week, Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins (R) held a joint press conference with First Lady Casey DeSantis (R) to discuss Florida’s drug-prevention efforts. During the press conference, Lt. Governor Collins acknowledged the support behind a potential gubernatorial run, and he expressed that he’s “getting really close” to deciding what’s next for his political career.
All signs of First Lady DeSantis launching a gubernatorial campaign appear to have been quieted as Lt. Governor Collins looks to succeed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R).
Since he was appointed lt. governor in August 2025, rumors have circulated regarding a potential gubernatorial run, and the Florida lawmaker has now seemingly confirmed that he intends to make a run.
Responding to an Orlando Sentinel article on his imminent announcement, the lt. governor shared what he believes Florida must look for in its next governor.
We need someone who will keep Florida STRONG.
We need someone who will be a strong partner and ally to President @realDonaldTrump.
We need someone who will continue the success of the past 7 years under @GovRonDeSantis.
We can’t afford to let Florida slip back to being a… https://t.co/MWu8Lqfuh9
— Jay Collins (@JayCollinsFL) September 24, 2025
“We need someone who will keep Florida STRONG,” he wrote on X. “We need someone who will be a strong partner and ally to President @realDonaldTrump.”
“We need someone who will continue the success of the past 7 years under @GovRonDeSantis,” Lt. Governor Collins added, noting that the state cannot afford to go “back to being a purple state.”
Both President Donald Trump (R) and Governor DeSantis engaged in a heated rivalry during the 2024 presidential election. Despite Governor DeSantis proposing that the Trump Presidential Library head to South Florida, the gubernatorial election is expected to host a clash between the DeSantis and Trump “camps” of the Republican Party.
President Trump has already endorsed Rep. Byron Donalds (R) in his bid for the governorship, so the Republican primary will be closely watched as the sunshine state overwhelmingly backed President Trump during the 2024 primary for the Republican nominee and the general election.
Lt. Governor Collins served in Army Special Forces for over 20 years.
He moved to Florida in 2019, and he was elected to the Florida Senate in 2022.
