POLITICS

Florida lieutenant governor launches 2026 gubernatorial campaign

PUBLISHED Jan 12, 2026, 2:23 PM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 11

Center 91%

Right 9%

Sources: 11

Tallahassee, Fla. — Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins announced Monday he is running for governor in 2026, entering crowded Republican primary to succeed term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis. Collins, appointed lieutenant governor in August 2025 after Jeanette Nuñez departed for Florida International University, cited his 23 years of Green Beret service on X. He joins contenders including U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, Paul Renner and James Fishback; Donalds carries a presidential endorsement from Donald Trump. Collins framed his campaign around leadership under pressure. His announcement drew statewide attention. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Najma A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

November 2022: Jay Collins elected to Florida State Senate.
February 2025: Jeanette Nuñez resigns to become FIU president.
August 2025: Gov. DeSantis appoints Jay Collins as lieutenant governor.
September 2025: Collins signals exploration of a gubernatorial bid in interviews.
January 2026: Collins officially announces his run for governor.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 10
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 91%, Right 9%

Who Benefited

Jay Collins gains statewide visibility and an official campaign platform, leveraging his military service and recent appointment as lieutenant governor to attract conservative voters and potential donors.

Who Impacted

Other Republican primary contenders, particularly Trump-aligned candidates, may face intensified competition for endorsements, donors and conservative voter support as Collins enters the field.