DeSantis Appoints Jay Collins as Florida's New Lieutenant Governor
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Republican state Sen. Jay Collins as the new lieutenant governor, filling a six-month vacancy. Collins, a Green Beret, was sworn in.
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Overview
- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Republican state Sen. Jay Collins as the new lieutenant governor, filling a six-month vacancy that began in February.
- Collins was immediately sworn into office, with his family present, marking a swift transition into his new role.
- Jay Collins is an Army combat veteran and former Green Beret, who was elected to Florida's state Senate in 2022.
- This appointment potentially positions Collins as a successor for the 2026 gubernatorial election, as Governor DeSantis is term-limited.
- Collins's potential bid for governor could lead to a proxy political battle between Governor DeSantis and Trump.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the appointment of Jay Collins as Florida's lieutenant governor by presenting factual details, relevant political context, and direct statements from key figures. They maintain neutrality by avoiding loaded language and offering a balanced overview of the event's significance and implications, including the ceremonial nature of the role and potential future political dynamics.
"The appointment is seen as a way for DeSantis to elevate a potential successor in 2026."
ABC News"Collins' appointment signals a legacy-building move on the part of the term-limited governor, setting Collins up as a standard-bearer who could challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds in the 2026 Florida gubernatorial primary."
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FAQ
Jay Collins is an Army combat veteran and former Green Beret who was elected to Florida's state Senate in 2022. He has a Bachelor of Science in health sciences and a Master of Science in organizational leadership, and has served in Afghanistan, Iraq, and South America during his military career.
The vacancy began in February when former Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez left the position to become President of Florida International University, leaving the lieutenant governor role unfilled until Jay Collins' appointment.
Jay Collins' appointment positions him as a potential successor to Governor DeSantis in the 2026 gubernatorial election. This could lead to a proxy political battle between DeSantis and former President Donald Trump due to competing endorsements.
Jay Collins has pledged to continue pushing Governor DeSantis’ agenda, including priorities such as parental rights and immigration enforcement, emphasizing conservative policies and strong results.
Governor DeSantis described Jay Collins as a 'man of action' who has achieved conservative wins and is one of the most productive senators in modern Florida history, highlighting Collins' strength on policy and conservative values.
History
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