Another Republican Contender Could Soon Enter Florida Gubernatorial Race

Trump-endorsed Byron Donalds could soon have competition in the GOP primary for Florida Governor.

Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins reportedly is poised to enter the field.

Collins is a former state senator and Green Beret.

According to reports, Collins said he would consider Casey DeSantis, the wife of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, as his running mate.

“We’re getting really close,” Collins told the Orlando Sentinel.

“We’re in the final stages of making a decision. I’m grateful to say my family is in my corner. That’s an absolute blessing,” he continued.

‘We’re getting close.’ Lt. Gov. Jay Collins poised to enter governor’s race https://t.co/yCjzBNkEXH pic.twitter.com/1o6VUARr0x

— Orlando Sentinel (@orlandosentinel) September 23, 2025

More from the Orlando Sentinel:

Collins, a staunch ally of term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis, said he would consider first lady Casey DeSantis as a running mate if he decides to run. The first lady has also been mentioned as a potential contender for governor, but she hasn’t revealed her political plans.

“Casey is an absolute rock star,” Collins said. “She’s amazing in her role as first lady. Right now, I am focused on doing my job as lieutenant governor. We’ll cross those lines when the time comes.”

DeSantis appointed Collins to the lieutenant governor post last month after Jeanette Nuñez stepped down to become president of Florida International University.

DeSantis, who is working to cement his legacy, has dubbed Collins the “Chuck Norris of Florida politics,” a reference to the action-movie actor. A decorated Army Special Forces combat veteran, Collins suffered injuries that led to the loss of his leg but continued to serve five more years post-amputation using a prosthetic, according to his bio.

“Just one month in, Lieutenant Governor @JayCollinsFL has hit the ground running,” DeSantis said earlier this month.

Just one month in, Lieutenant Governor @JayCollinsFL has hit the ground running. pic.twitter.com/lRRqzKg7tx

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) September 9, 2025

“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,” Collins said.

“We can’t afford to let Florida slip back to being a purple state,” he added.

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

POLITICO shared further details:

Collins told POLITICO this week that his family is supportive of him running for governor and that, if he enters the race, he’ll do so this year — possibly as soon as October or November.

“If I jump in, it’s because I believe my approach is what’s best for the state of Florida,” Collins said. “My family is with me. They support me doing this unequivocally. We have come to grips with this. We’ve thought about it, we’ve prayed about it. … We’re comfortable with however this turns out.”

Collins, a former Green Beret and state senator who was appointed lieutenant governor last month, added that he’s received “really positive feedback” about a possible run. But he wants more input before making the final commitment.

“I want to make sure that this isn’t an emotion thing,” Collins said. “And I’d say we’re getting a lot closer to having a really good shot and understanding where all of this sits. When all of those hit green then I think you are in that stage where you maximize your opportunity to launch and jump into the race.”

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Collins has previously said he would consult his family before deciding to join a GOP primary contest that features Rep. Byron Donalds and former state House Speaker Paul Renner. Donalds already has the backing of Trump and has amassed more than $26 million between his campaign account and a political committee he controls.