Jay Collins: Florida's Chuck Norris and Rising Gubernatorial Star!
Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, appointed by DeSantis, positions himself as a strong Florida gubernatorial candidate amid shifting political dynamics.
Jay Collins: Florida's Chuck Norris and Rising Gubernatorial Star!
In a surprising turn of events on August 12, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Jay Collins as Florida’s new lieutenant governor, filling a vacancy left by Jeanette Nuñez. Described by DeSantis as „the Chuck Norris of Florida politics,“ Collins is seen as a man of action with a compelling military background, making him a noteworthy figure in the state’s political landscape. Collins’s journey to this position is anything but ordinary; he is a veteran of the Army Special Forces, recognized with numerous decorations, including a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart, after sacrificing a leg during his service.
Collins’s appointment has garnered significant attention, particularly given the unique history of lieutenant governors in Florida. No deputy has ever won a statewide race in the state, adding a layer of complexity to his candidacy. Yet DeSantis is counting on Collins not just to be a support system in his administration but also to prepare for a possible future as governor if the need arises. According to Florida Today, this strategic selection aims to leverage Collins’s strengths to address pressing issues such as property tax relief and homeowners insurance in the upcoming legislative session.
Political Landscape and Collins’s Background
Born in Scobey, Montana, Collins’s academic achievements include a Bachelor of Science in health sciences and pre-medicine, along with a Master of Science in organizational leadership. His military career spanned from 1995 to 2018, during which Collins distinguished himself in various capacities, including as a Green Beret medic deployed to several conflict zones. His military tenure is marked by resilience; after losing a leg in combat, he continued to serve for five more years, exemplifying unwavering dedication.
Joining the political arena, Collins was elected to the Florida Senate in 2022 after a contentious race against incumbent Janet Cruz. His record as a legislator includes sponsoring significant pieces of legislation, such as the controversial permitless carry of firearms and a recent amendment aimed at changing child labor laws for minors aged 14-17. Throughout his brief political career, he has maintained a strong alignment with DeSantis, voting consistently on conservative issues. The Wikipedia article on Collins delves deeper into his political maneuvers, noting his involvement in legislation that sparked public debate, including bills related to the Pride flag and abortion laws.
Future Prospects and Challenges
Looking ahead, Collins faces a unique challenge. While U.S. Representative Byron Donalds, backed by Donald Trump, emerges as a leading contender for the governor’s role, DeSantis’s endorsement remains crucial. Speculation swirls around whether the lieutenant governor will gain DeSantis’s support, which could significantly boost his chances compared to Donalds. The political dynamics are even more complicated given the historical context where no Black candidates have succeeded in winning a partisan statewide office in Florida. This backdrop inevitably raises questions about the potential influence of the „Bradley effect,“ where racial dynamics may impact voter behavior.
The lieutenant governor’s role is traditionally ceremonial, yet it becomes especially significant if the governor is unable to fulfill duties. The Florida Constitution allows for the governor to assign specific tasks to the lieutenant governor, meaning there’s still a chance for Collins to carve out a niche that could elevate him into the gubernatorial conversation. As detailed by WUSF, outgoing lieutenant governor Nuñez held various responsibilities, including oversight of the Florida Department of Health and participating in councils essential to state governance.
As the political tides shift in Florida, one thing is certain: Collins’s journey as lieutenant governor promises to be eventful, and both his military and political backgrounds position him as a compelling candidate for the future. With issues like property taxes and insurance on the table, it will be interesting to see how he navigates his new role, especially under the watchful eye of a shifting political landscape.