Florida Lt. Gov. Collins Criticizes Trump-Backed Gubernatorial Candidate Donalds

Florida’s Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins appears to be positioning himself for a potential gubernatorial bid, taking aim at U.S. Representative Byron Donalds who has already secured President Donald Trump’s endorsement for the state’s top office.

Collins, who was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis earlier this year, recently shared posts on social media platform X that seemed to contrast himself with Donalds. One retweet juxtaposed images of the two politicians with the phrases “Tough as Nails” and “Soft as Soy,” suggesting a clear distinction in leadership styles.

In his commentary on the post, Collins referenced the cyclical theory of history: “Hard times → Strong men. Strong men → Good times. Good times → Weak men. Weak men → Hard times.” The implication was clear – Collins views himself as the strong leader Florida needs.

The lieutenant governor further escalated his criticism in another social media post, stating, “Traveling around the state with ZERO record and nothing but an endorsement to brag about is not good enough.” He concluded with the assertion that “Florida deserves better and I’ve delivered,” directly challenging Donalds’ qualifications.

When directly questioned about his gubernatorial ambitions during an interview with CBS News Miami’s Jim Defede, Collins stopped short of making an official announcement but indicated a decision was imminent. “We are just finalizin’ that plan,” Collins stated, adding, “We’ll put out our final decision here shortly. But we are really close to makin’ that final call.”

Collins’ military background has been a cornerstone of his public image since joining DeSantis’ administration. A former Green Beret who served multiple combat tours, Collins has been referred to as “the Chuck Norris of Florida politics,” a moniker that emphasizes his tough, action-oriented approach to governance.

The developing rivalry comes as Donalds continues to amass significant Republican endorsements. Beyond Trump’s crucial backing, the congressman has secured support from influential conservative figures including Texas Senator Ted Cruz and Texas Representative Chip Roy. In a notable development, technology entrepreneur and X owner Elon Musk has also publicly declared that Donalds has his “full support.”

Donalds, currently representing Florida’s 19th congressional district, has been a rising star in the Republican Party. First elected to Congress in 2020, he has become increasingly prominent as a conservative voice on national issues and a staunch Trump ally. His campaign has not yet publicly responded to Collins’ comments.

The potential challenge from Collins highlights the complex dynamics within Florida’s Republican Party following DeSantis’ unsuccessful presidential bid and subsequent return to focusing on state governance. With DeSantis term-limited, the 2026 gubernatorial race represents a critical juncture for the party’s future in the state.

Florida, which has increasingly shifted from a battleground state to a Republican stronghold in recent years, represents a significant prize in American politics. The third most populous state in the nation has seen substantial population growth, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many Americans relocated to the state known for its business-friendly policies and lack of state income tax.

Political observers note that while Trump’s endorsement carries tremendous weight within Republican primary politics, Collins’ close association with DeSantis and his compelling personal story as a combat veteran could make for a competitive race should he decide to enter.

The Florida gubernatorial election is scheduled for 2026, giving potential candidates ample time to build their campaigns and secure support from voters across the diverse and politically significant state.