A quiet tension is building in Florida’s political landscape, hinting at a potential showdown for the governor’s mansion. Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins, appointed earlier this year by Governor Ron DeSantis, is subtly challenging Congressman Byron Donalds, who has secured a coveted endorsement from former President Donald Trump.
The first volley came in the form of a retweet on X, a platform now buzzing with speculation. The post visually contrasted Collins and Donalds, labeling Collins as “Tough as Nails” and Donalds as “Soft as Soy.” It was a pointed message, delivered without directly naming his rival.
Collins then amplified the message with a series of aphorisms about the cyclical nature of strength and weakness. He wrote, “Hard times → Strong men. Strong men → Good times. Good times → Weak men. Weak men → Hard times.” The implication was clear: Florida needs a leader forged in resilience, not simply backed by a prominent name.
He didn’t stop there. In a separate post, Collins directly criticized a candidate relying solely on an endorsement. “Traveling around the state with ZERO record and nothing but an endorsement to brag about is not good enough,” he stated firmly, adding, “Florida deserves better and I’ve delivered.”
When directly questioned by CBS News Miami about his intentions, Collins offered a carefully worded response. He acknowledged being on the verge of a decision, stating they were “just finalizin’ that plan” and “really close to makin’ that… final call” regarding a gubernatorial run.
Donalds’ campaign has yet to publicly respond to Collins’ pointed remarks. However, he already has support from influential figures beyond Trump, including Senators Ted Cruz and Chip Roy, and tech mogul Elon Musk, who has publicly declared his “full support.”
The stage is now set for a potentially divisive primary battle. Collins, with DeSantis’ backing and a focus on his own record, appears ready to challenge the power of Trump’s endorsement and redefine what it means to lead the Sunshine State.
