Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins made a campaign stop in Lakeland, pitching his record and military background to over 100 Republican voters as he seeks the GOP nomination for Florida governor.
Key Takeaways from the Lakeland Event
- Personal Background & Military Service: Collins delivered an unscripted speech highlighting his rise from an impoverished childhood in Montana to serving as an Army Green Beret. He emphasized his military perseverance, noting his continued service even after a combat injury led to the amputation of his left leg.
- Connection to Ron DeSantis: Collins pitched himself as a tested leader forging ahead in the mold of Governor Ron DeSantis, leaning heavily on his executive experience as lieutenant governor to differentiate himself from opponents.
- Core Priorities: Key themes of his address included economic strategy, workforce development (specifically bolstering skilled trades and agriculture), public safety, and voter integrity measures.
Context in the 2026 GOP Primary
The stop in Polk County comes as candidates gear up for the August 18, 2026 primary election.
| Candidate | Background | Primary Polling Average |
| Byron Donalds | U.S. Representative (FL-19) | ~46% |
| Jay Collins | Lt. Governor / Former State Senator | ~10% |
| James Fishback | Conservative Activist / Entrepreneur | ~11% |
| Paul Renner | Former Speaker of the FL House | — |
Legal Battle: In addition to campaigning, Collins has been in court challenging the constitutional eligibility of primary rival James Fishback, arguing Fishback fails Florida’s seven-year residency requirement for gubernatorial candidates.
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