A New Chapter for Florida Leadership
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has made a historic appointment by naming State Senator Jay Collins as the state's new lieutenant governor on August 12. This decision marks a significant moment as Florida becomes the only state in the nation with both a governor and lieutenant governor who are military veterans. Collins, a Republican from Tampa, brings a wealth of experience from his 23 years of service as a Green Beret in the U.S. Army Special Forces, embodying what DeSantis described as 'Florida grit.'
During a press conference in Tampa, DeSantis highlighted Collins' dedication and service, noting his combat-wounded status and his post-military contributions to disaster relief missions in Florida. The governor emphasized the unique bond shared through their military backgrounds, with DeSantis himself having served in the U.S. Navy as a JAG officer. This appointment fills a vacancy left by Jeanette Nuñez, who stepped down earlier this year after serving since 2019.
Collins' Background and Political Journey
Jay Collins, born in Scobey, Montana, on April 28, 1976, has a storied career both in and out of uniform. After over two decades in the Army, where he earned a reputation as a fierce and dedicated soldier, Collins moved to Florida in 2019 to raise his family. He was elected to the Florida Senate in 2022, representing the Tampa area, and quickly became a staunch ally of Governor DeSantis, pushing for conservative policies and veterans' issues.
Known among political circles as the 'Chuck Norris of Florida politics,' Collins has been recognized for his tenacity and action-oriented approach. DeSantis praised him during the announcement, stating, 'He's been a man of action. He has delivered conservative wins, and I think has been one of the most productive state senators.' Collins resigned from his Senate seat in 2025 to take on this new role, signaling his commitment to serving at a higher level.
His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in health sciences and pre-medicine from American Military University and a Master of Science in organizational leadership from Norwich University. This combination of military valor and academic achievement positions Collins as a multifaceted leader ready to tackle Florida's challenges alongside DeSantis.
Impact and Public Sentiment on the Appointment
The appointment of Jay Collins has sparked discussions across Florida and beyond, with many focusing on the symbolic importance of having two veterans in the state's top executive roles. Posts found on X reflect a positive sentiment among supporters, with some users expressing pride in Florida's leadership setting a national example. One user noted, 'When Florida leads, America wins,' capturing the enthusiasm surrounding this historic pairing.
Governor DeSantis himself underscored this point during the announcement, stating, 'Today, I was proud to appoint Jay Collins as Florida's new Lieutenant Governor. A combat-wounded warrior who served for 23 years as a Green Beret, Jay embodies Florida grit.' This sentiment resonates deeply with many Floridians who value military service and see this as a strengthening of the state's commitment to veterans' causes.