Lt. Gov. Jay Collins secured the endorsement of Lakeland Commissioner and Lakeland County Commissioner Guy LaLonde, Jr., along with endorsements from Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper and Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum.
LaLonde, a U.S. Navy veteran and city commissioner elected in 2024, praised Collins’ commitment to service. LaLonde is also currently serving as the mayor pro tem.
“As a veteran and local elected official, I value service above self,” LaLonde said. “Jay Collins has lived that principle, and that’s why I’m proud to endorse him for Governor of Florida. As Governor DeSantis’ choice for Lt. Governor, Jay is the candidate I know we can count on to keep Florida prosperous.”
Collins said he is “honored” to have LaLonde’s support.
“As veterans and public servants, we share a commitment to keeping our communities safe, creating economic opportunity, and ensuring Florida remains a place where families can afford to live, work, and thrive,” Collins said.
Separately, Leeper highlighted Collins’ service in the army as a decorated Green Beret and as a public servant.
“He understands the challenges facing our state and has the courage, integrity, and experience to meet them head-on,” Leeper said. “That’s why I’m proud to endorse Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins as the next Governor of Florida. I believe he’ll continue to keep Florida safe, strong, and moving forward for generations to come.”
Sheriff McCallum echoed the support.
“Lt. Governor Jay Collins is already a great leader for our state, and I am proud to endorse him as he runs to be our next governor,” McCallum said. “Jay’s lifetime of service and love for our country is like no other. He knows what it takes to lead under pressure, and he has consistently worked for the best interests of Floridians. That’s why Governor DeSantis appointed him to serve as Lt. Governor, and that’s why I’m proud to stand by him.”
Collins expressed gratitude for both of the sheriff’s endorsements.
“They have had exemplary law enforcement careers, always putting service above self,” Collins said. “As Governor, I will work hand in hand with law enforcement and leaders like Sheriff Leeper to keep our state safe and prosperous. We’ve worked hard for Florida to set the standard. We won’t have any blue-state-style chaos and disorder here. We can’t allow anyone to New York our Florida. Not on my watch.”
In addition to Leeper and McCallum, Collins has received endorsements from a growing list of law enforcement leaders, including:
- Sheriff Bob Johnson, Santa Rosa County
- Sheriff Mike Chitwood, Volusia County
- Sheriff Christopher Blackmon, Osceola County
- Sheriff Vent Crawford, Hardee County
- Sheriff Wayne Padgett, Taylor County
- Volusia County Deputies Association
LaLonde, a longtime community leader and former Publix executive with more than 30 years of experience, currently serves as Board Chair for KidsPACK, which provides weekend food assistance to children in Polk and Hillsborough counties. He served in the U.S. Navy and Naval Reserve as a Boatswain’s Mate Third Class.
Leeper, a lifelong Nassau County resident and former Florida Highway Patrol captain, has served as Nassau County Sheriff since 2012 after prior roles as city commissioner and mayor of Fernandina Beach. A former professional minor league baseball player, he was inducted into the Fernandina Beach High School Hall of Fame.
McCallum began his law enforcement career in 1969 with the Levy County Sheriff’s Office and was elected sheriff in 2012. He has held numerous leadership roles in criminal justice organizations, including past president of the Florida Sheriffs Association, and has been actively involved with the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches.