FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins announced Monday that he is running for governor in 2026, entering a Republican primary that pits him against U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, who carries an endorsement from President Donald Trump.

Collins, a retired Green Beret who lost a leg during military service and continued to serve five more years on a prosthetic, posted his announcement on X. “I’m running for Governor because leadership is forged under pressure, not in soundbites,” Collins said. “I served over 23 years in the United States military, mainly as a Green Beret, where accountability is real, decisions have consequences, and service comes before self. That experience shaped how I lead and why I believe public office is a public trust.”

Collins’ candidacy sets up a competitive Republican primary to succeed term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis, whose own endorsement — potentially the most consequential in the race — remains undecided.

DeSantis stays out for now

DeSantis, who tapped Collins as lieutenant governor last August, offered a measured response at a news conference Monday. He called Collins a “good guy” but added that he had not decided whether to make any endorsement. “If I get involved in the primary, you’ll know it,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis was elected governor in 2018 and reelected in 2022. Under Florida law, a governor may not serve more than two consecutive four-year terms.

Collins’ background

Born in Montana, Collins has spoken openly about experiencing homelessness while in high school before joining the Army Special Forces. He was first elected to Florida’s state Senate in 2022 and has been described by the Associated Press as one of DeSantis’ key allies in the Legislature. The lieutenant governor position in Florida is largely ceremonial, carrying few official responsibilities beyond succession if the governor cannot serve.

In recent years, Collins served as chief operating officer of Operation BBQ Relief, which deploys cooks and mobile kitchens to deliver hot meals in the aftermath of natural disasters. In June, he flew to Israel to help support state-funded flights to evacuate Americans as Israel and Iran traded missile strikes.

The full field

Other declared Republican candidates in the primary include Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett, Azoria CEO James Fishback, former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, and activist Bobby Williams.

On the Democratic side, Orlando Mayor Jerry Demings and former Republican U.S. Rep. David Jolly have announced candidacies.