Overview
- Collins formally announced his bid with a message centered on military-forged leadership and continuity with DeSantis-era policies.
- He pledged to be a strong partner to President Trump on border security and an America First agenda, even as he competes with Trump-endorsed Byron Donalds.
- DeSantis praised Collins as a “good guy” and noted his record but said any decision to engage in the primary would come later on his timeline.
- Early indicators favor Donalds, who holds a sizable cash advantage — roughly $27 million versus about $900,000 tied to Collins as of late September — and leads in initial polling.
- A former Green Beret and 2022 state senator, Collins was appointed lieutenant governor in August 2025 and announced his campaign as the legislative session begins.