“Chuck Norris of Politics” Becomes Florida’s No. 2

Man speaking, wearing a blue "Desantis for President" shirt.

A decorated Green Beret who fought to expand gun rights just became Florida’s second-in-command, signaling continuity for parents’ rights and border security as 2026 looms.

Story Snapshot

Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed state Sen. Jay Collins as lieutenant governor and had him sworn in immediately in Tampa.
Collins, a highly decorated Special Forces veteran and amputee, is branded the “Chuck Norris of Florida politics.”
The move fills a vacancy left when Jeanette Nuñez departed to lead Florida International University.
The pick positions a trusted ally amid speculation about Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial field.

DeSantis Fills Vacancy With A Proven Conservative Ally

Gov. Ron DeSantis selected Republican state Sen. Jay Collins of Tampa as Florida’s lieutenant governor and had him sworn in minutes later at a press event, restoring the office’s functionality after months vacant since February. The governor underscored that he wanted a lieutenant ready to deliver policy wins and capable of governing if necessary, aligning with a track record of appointing allies who reinforce his agenda on education, immigration enforcement, and limited government. The rapid swearing-in emphasized readiness and continuity.

The vacancy followed former Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez’s move to become Florida International University’s president, elevating the importance of an experienced replacement as DeSantis nears term limits in 2026. By installing a close partner with administrative and political experience, the governor signaled stability for conservative priorities. The appointment avoids drift in a role that, while largely ceremonial on paper, often functions as a chief surrogate to advance governing objectives and maintain accountability across agencies.

Who Jay Collins Is: Combat-Tested, Mission-Focused

Jay Collins brings more than two decades of Army Special Forces service with deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and South America, earning commendations including the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Legion of Merit. After losing a leg, Collins reenlisted as a Green Beret, later founding a nonprofit supporting veterans and first responders. He entered the Florida Senate in 2022 by decisively defeating a Democratic incumbent, establishing a legislative profile rooted in discipline, public safety, and community service valued by Florida conservatives.

DeSantis highlighted Collins as the “Chuck Norris of Florida politics,” capturing a tough-on-mission identity that resonates with voters focused on security and order. Local coverage documented Collins’ pledge to keep pushing parental rights and immigration enforcement priorities without easing up. Republican Party leadership in Florida publicly praised the pick, citing Collins’ service and his reliable advocacy for conservative bills. The coordinated messaging reflected a broader unity around a lieutenant governor expected to be an active policy partner, not a ceremonial passenger.

Policy Continuity: Parental Rights, Border Enforcement, and Gun Freedom

Collins’ legislative record signals continued emphasis on parental rights in education and a hard line on illegal immigration, aligning with a statewide focus on law-and-order and local-federal cooperation. On Second Amendment issues, Collins has backed measures expanding lawful firearms access and rolling back restrictions imposed after Parkland, including efforts to lower the minimum purchase age to 18. For readers concerned about constitutional erosion, this appointment suggests the administration will keep prioritizing self-defense rights and resisting policies that burden law-abiding citizens.

The announcement’s venue—the Tampa Green Beret Association—reinforced Collins’ veteran identity and the administration’s branding around service, resolve, and accountability. Strategically, spotlighting Tampa strengthens ties across the I-4 corridor, a decisive swath in statewide battles. For grassroots conservatives, the message is straightforward: the state’s executive team intends to press forward on culture, safety, and constitutional protections while avoiding the bureaucratic drift that often follows leadership transitions. The stagecraft matched the substance of the pick.

2026 Dynamics: Succession Signals Without Commitments

Analysts note the appointment may influence the 2026 gubernatorial field, where former President Trump has endorsed Rep. Byron Donalds. Collins has not announced any candidacy, and reports caution against presuming his plans. Still, observers read the move as DeSantis shoring up policy execution while leaving options open for succession. For voters who prioritize results over rhetoric, the immediate benefit is operational continuity, messaging discipline, and a lieutenant who can credibly represent the administration to agencies, lawmakers, and communities across Florida.

Bottom line for conservative Floridians: the governor placed a seasoned, mission-driven executor one heartbeat away, elevating a leader who has defended gun rights, backed parents at school boards, and promised to keep Florida strong on border security and local cooperation. Whether this turns into a 2026 contest of visions will be decided later. For now, the practical effect is a reinforced executive bench poised to keep delivering wins on core constitutional and family-first priorities.