Gov. DeSantis taps Tampa Sen. Jay Collins as new lieutenant governor
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has tapped Tampa Sen. Jay Collins, a former Green Beret and decorated veteran, as the state's new lieutenant governor.
DeSantis made the announcement during a press conference in Tampa on Tuesday.
"As our state senator from Tampa, he's been a man of action. He has delivered conservative wins and I think has been one of the most productive senators we have had in modern Florida history. On all the big issues, he was not only an ally of mine, he was standing up for you," DeSantis said.
DeSantis said he selected Collins, who served 23 years in the military, based on recent actions such as assisting rescue workers in areas of the state hit by hurricanes and participating in efforts to rescue Floridians in Israel.
"I authorized rescue missions through the Florida Division of Emergency Management. We were able to bring hundreds and hundreds of people to safety. I authorized and supervised that from Tallahassee. Senator Collins went to Israel, he was in Jordan, he was in these countries in the middle of the war personally helping the rescue of his fellow Floridians and fellow Americans. Senator Jay Collins is the Chuck Norris of Florida politics," he said.
DeSantis characterized Collins as "a warrior" and "not necessarily seeking the camera, but just seeking to make a difference." That included supporting efforts on issues such as combatting illegal immigration and revamping election laws.
Collins, who was sworn in to the $135,000-a-year position by Florida Supreme Court Justice Jamie Grosshans, told DeSantis, who served in the Navy, "I have your back."
"Nobody can debate the fact that today, Florida is the conservative proving grounds of the United States of America because this family put us there," Collins said of DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis.
The Republican Party of Florida applauded the selection of Collins.
"Collins served in Afghanistan, Iraq, and twice in South America during his distinguished military career, demonstrating steadfast dedication to our country. In the Florida Senate, he has been a strong and reliable advocate for supporting families, preserving community values, and protecting individual freedoms," Florida GOP Chairman Evan Power said in a statement.
Who is Jay Collins?
Collins served over two decades in the Army Special Forces, earning the Purple Heart for his service in combat, according to the statement. After retiring from the military, Collins founded a nonprofit organization supporting veterans, first responders, and Floridians in need.
In 2022, he was elected to the Florida Senate after defeating incumbent Democrat Janet Cruz in a double-digit win.
Collins' appointment fills the position that was left open after former Lt. Gov. Jeannette Nuñez was appointed President of Florida International University in February.
Since DeSantis cannot run again in 2026 because of term limits, Collins is being talked about as DeSantis' candidate for governor. Casey DeSantis also has been long rumored as a potential candidate.
Congressman Bryon Donalds, a Naples Republican, is running for governor with the backing of President Donald Trump. Donalds on Tuesday congratulated Collins in a post on X.
"I wish him all the best and look forward to working together on behalf of our great state," Donalds said in the post.