Lt. Gov. Jay Collins expressed his profound support for law enforcement and his work as lieutenant governor backing the blue in a gubernatorial campaign message shared on social media this week.
"Let me be very clear, I stand always with our men and women in law enforcement. We owe them time, tools, and training to support their mission, but more importantly, get back home to their families," Collins said in the message. "No defunding, no excuses, no gains."
Moreover, Lt. Gov Collins noted Florida's participation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) 287(g) program, which allows state and local partners to arrest and remove illegal aliens from the country.
Gov. Ron DeSantis entered into the 287(g) program in February. Florida has also led on several initiatives to stop illegal immigration, including "Operation Tidal Wave," under DeSantis's leadership.
Lt. Gov. Collins also mentioned the state's work in stopping illegal fentanyl. Florida Attorney James Uthmeier announced a large fentanyl bust in February and another last year.
Under Gov. DeSantis, Florida has also touted a "law and order" platform. Collins, who was appointed lieutenant governor in August 2025, is hoping to continue that mantle by becoming governor in November's election.
"No [George] Soros prosecutors coddling criminals in this state. Victims get justice. Communities stay safe," Collins said. "In Florida, under my watch, we won't become a sanctuary of chaos."
Since launching his campaign, Collins has been endorsed by Santa Rose County Sheriff Bob Johnson, Taylor County Sheriff Wayne Padgett, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, and Interim Osceola County Sheriff Christopher Blackmon in the gubernatorial race.
"I don't only stand with our law enforcement. I stand with them to protect their safety, their rights, and our way of life as a state," Collins said.
Collins is in a Republican primary with U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, and businessman James Fishback.
The GOP primary is Aug 18.
