Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins enters crowded GOP race for 2026 governor, challenging Trump-backed Byron Donalds
Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins launched a 2026 Republican gubernatorial bid, joining a crowded primary that includes Trump-backed Rep. Byron Donalds and several Democratic contenders.
Overview
Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, a former Green Beret and state senator, announced his 2026 Republican gubernatorial bid in Fort Lauderdale, emphasizing military leadership and public service.
Collins enters a crowded GOP primary that already includes U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, Trump’s endorsed choice, former House Speaker Paul Renner, James Fishback, Charles Burkett, and Bobby Williams.
Gov. Ron DeSantis, who appointed Collins last year, called him a 'good guy' but has not endorsed anyone; DeSantis said he'd reveal any primary involvement publicly.
A Purple Heart recipient and amputee veteran, Collins served 23 years mainly as a Green Beret, later leading Operation BBQ Relief and participating in evacuations to Israel.
Collins' entry heightens talk of a DeSantis-Trump proxy primary, could reshape polls and fundraising, and sets up a November 2026 general election contest with Democratic candidates.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present the Collins announcement in straightforward, factual terms, using attributed quotes and campaign biographical details while noting political context — Trump’s endorsement of Byron Donalds, DeSantis’ noncommittal stance, and other contenders. Humanizing details are sourced to Collins’ campaign, minimizing editorialized language or selective omission.
Sources (7)
FAQ
The main Republican candidates are Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds (Trump-endorsed frontrunner), former House Speaker Paul Renner, investor James Fishback, and others like Charles Burkett and Bobby Williams.
Jay Collins is a former Green Beret with over 23 years of U.S. Army service, a Purple Heart recipient, combat veteran who lost a leg but served five more years post-amputation; he later led Operation BBQ Relief, won a state Senate seat in 2022, and was appointed Lt. Gov. by DeSantis in 2025.
No, DeSantis called Collins a 'good guy' with a great conservative record but has not endorsed him and stated any primary involvement would be announced publicly.
The Republican primary is scheduled for August 18, 2026, with the general election on November 3, 2026.
Key Democratic candidates include Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and former Rep. David Jolly, who switched from Republican.
History
3 sources