Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed Republican state Senator Jay Collins as the new lieutenant governor, a decision made public during a news conference on Tuesday at the Green Beret Association in Tampa.
This appointment is particularly crucial for DeSantis as he nears the end of his term, with no possibility of reelection in 2026.
In his remarks at the announcement, DeSantis described Collins as a principled conservative and a vital ally in advancing Florida’s agenda.
He stated, “What I was looking for is someone that can be lieutenant governor that will help us deliver more wins for the people of Florida — and then also that is capable of serving and leading as governor, if that need were ever to arise.”
Collins, an Army combat veteran and nonprofit executive, was sworn in moments after the announcement, surrounded by his family, including wife Layla and their two young sons, as well as DeSantis and first lady Casey DeSantis.
Pledging his commitment to the governor’s agenda, Collins emphasized the importance of maintaining Florida’s status as a conservative leader in the nation.
He remarked, “The goal is to help him finish the mission and keep Florida strong,” highlighting his readiness to tackle the challenges ahead by stating, “you don’t flinch when the next mission comes up. You just say, ‘Yes, sir. Let’s go.’”
Born in Montana, Collins has openly shared his story of overcoming adversity, which includes his experience with homelessness during high school.
After joining the Army Special Forces, he lost a leg during combat but continued to serve for five additional years as a Green Beret with the help of a prosthetic leg.
During his remarks, Collins light-heartedly addressed his injury, expressing pride in serving the country that provided him with numerous opportunities: “I want you to know that I’ve got my sleeves rolled up, I’ve got my running leg on, and we are ready to get things done.”
In recent years, Collins has been active as the chief operating officer of Operation BBQ Relief, an organization that provides meals in the aftermath of disasters through mobile kitchens.
In June, he also traveled to Israel to assist with the evacuation of Americans as hostilities escalated between Israel and Iran.
DeSantis praised Collins for his bravery and determination to tackle difficult situations, saying, “Why would you want to go in to Israel when Iran is raining rockets down? Most people would take a pass on that,” adding that Collins is the “Chuck Norris of Florida politics.”
The lieutenant governor position in Florida has been vacant since February when former lieutenant governor Jeanette Nuñez accepted a position leading one of the state’s public universities.
While the role is mainly ceremonial, it is significant in the case of a vacancy in the governor’s office.
Collins is also seen as a strategic choice by DeSantis, who has a history of collaborating with him as an ally in the Republican-dominated state Legislature since Collins was elected in 2022.
In recent months, tensions have emerged between DeSantis and GOP legislators aligned with President Donald Trump, who has endorsed U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds for the role.
The appointment is viewed as an opportunity for DeSantis to elevate a potential successor while he has also expressed interest in promoting his wife, Casey DeSantis, for the position.
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