Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins announced on Tuesday that he is nearing a decision about entering the gubernatorial race for 2026.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Addressing a group of seniors and journalists in Jacksonville, Florida’s Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins hinted at a potential campaign for governor, urging everyone to ‘stay tuned’ for further developments.
At a Tuesday press conference, Collins was asked by First Coast News if his recent activities were leading up to an official campaign launch, following the release of campaign-style advertisements. These ads, promoting Collins, were distributed by the non-profit group ‘Florida Fighters.’
“I’m very appreciative of whoever was behind those ads,” Collins stated. “Joining a governor’s race is a monumental decision. I’m weary of politicians who are self-congratulatory and ego-driven. That’s not the approach we need,” he emphasized.
Collins mentioned that he and his team are close to reaching a verdict on his potential candidacy for the 2026 governor’s race. He highlighted the importance of having his family’s backing as a crucial factor in his decision.
“It was essential for me to ensure that my family was secure, that our surroundings were supportive, and that they’d be able to handle the challenges that come with this decision,” Collins explained.
Collins was appointed Lt. Governor by Governor Ron DeSantis in August 2025. He served in the Florida Senate before then.
“We are in the short, final part of wrapping up our decision, and I’m very grateful for that group. It’s very encouraging to see people believe in our message and our approach and … stay tuned,” Collins said.
Right now, Florida Congressman Byron Donalds and former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner are the front-runners for the Republican nomination in the 2026 gubernatorial race.
