TAMPA, Fla. – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday appointed a new lieutenant governor during a news conference in Tampa.
The governor appointed Tampa Sen. Jay Collins, R-Tampa, a former Green Beret and veteran, during the news conference at the Tampa Green Beret Association-Team House.
“He’s been a man of action. He has delivered conservative wins and I think has been one of the most productive senators we have had in modern Florida history,” DeSantis said.
DeSantis said the weekslong search for the state’s next lieutenant governor sought someone who “will help us deliver more wins for the people of Florida” and who could be capable of leading as governor “if that need were to ever arise.”
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He said he was looking for someone with two things: a foundation of conservative policies and somebody who is going to “run towards the fire.”
The governor detailed Collins’ military service, which included serving as a Green Beret and being wounded in action. Collins was awarded a Purple Heart and other military decorations during his service.
“Jay embodies one of our core principles. While words can be meaningful, it is ultimately deeds that are the most powerful. You’re in office to deliver results for the people that put you there, not to serve your own personal interests, and I think Jay’s life story has been the embodiment of that,” he said.
Collins said as lieutenant governor, he will “have your (Floridians’) back.”
“There’s so much important work ahead, but I can assure you, we’re just getting started. I can’t wait to take the next step. There’s work to get done, and we’re not gonna reverse course. We’re gonna keep this thing on the path,” Collins said.
Collins was elected to the Florida Senate in 2022.
The lieutenant governor position had been vacant since February when former Lt. Gov. Jeannette Nunez was appointed as interim president of Florida International University.
Watch the full news conference below: