(The Center Square) – Jay Collins, state senator representing the Tampa area, was appointed lieutenant governor of Florida on Tuesday by second-term Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Collins succeeds Jeanette Nunez. She was named interim president of Florida International University in Tallahassee in early February.
Collins’ seat in the Senate will be filled via special election called by the governor.
“Jay Collins,” DeSantis said on social media, “a patriot who has dedicated his life to serving our country and delivering on conservative priorities, will be a great lieutenant governor. Together, we will keep Florida strong and keep delivering results for the people of our state.”
Collins, retired Army Green Beret, won his District 14 seat in the 2022 midterms and was planning to run for another four years in 2026. DeSantis is term-limited, and Collins could well be backed by him in a gubernatorial run.
Collins pledged to “help” DeSantis “finish the mission and keep Florida strong.”
Second-term Republican President Donald Trump has already given endorsement to U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds in the governor’s race. Former U.S. Rep. David Jolly, a Democrat, and former state Sen. Jason Pizzo, an independent, have also declared for the race.
DeSantis’ wife Casey and former Republican U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz are also considered potential candidates.
At a press conference in Tampa for the swearing in ceremony, DeSantis said, “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 is praised for commitments to veterans, military families and national defense; law enforcement and public safety; combatting illegal immigration; educational freedom and curriculum; families, freedom and conservative values; and putting Florida first.
He’s known for overcoming homelessness as a teenager, and a military career that includes five years as a Green Beret using a prosthetic leg after an amputation.
Collins defeated Democrat Janet Cruz 54.6%-45.4% in 2022. He’s served on Senate committees for Agriculture; Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security; and Collective Bargaining. He was chairman of the agricultural panel.
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