Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has officially appointed State Senator Jay Collins as the state's new lieutenant governor, filling the post after it was left vacant for several months. Collins, a decorated Army Green Beret and combat veteran with 23 years of service, was sworn in on August 12, 2025. DeSantis praised Collins as "the Chuck Norris of Florida politics" and highlighted his record of public service, disaster relief efforts, and conservative achievements. Collins was first elected to represent Tampa and East Hillsborough County in November 2022, defeating incumbent Democrat Janet Cruz. He has indicated plans to launch a gubernatorial campaign on October 1, 2025, positioning him as a leading contender for Florida's governorship in the 2026 election, especially as DeSantis is term-limited. The appointment also marks Florida as the only state with both a governor and lieutenant governor who are military veterans. Collins replaces Jeanette Nuñez, who left the lieutenant governor position to become president of Florida International University. DeSantis emphasized Collins' ability to support conservative priorities and deliver results for the state. The selection has sparked discussions about the 2026 gubernatorial race, with Collins seen as a strong candidate to succeed DeSantis and potentially challenge Byron Donalds, another Republican figure in Florida politics.