Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced on Tuesday the appointment of state Senator Jay Collins as his new lieutenant governor, a decision that has sparked interest due to Collins’ unique background and the nickname he has been given, the ‘Chuck Norris of Florida Politics.’
Collins, a Republican from Tampa, is a combat veteran who lost a leg in Afghanistan and has been recognized for his military service, including earning the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. His selection as lieutentant governor makes the DeSantis-Collins leadership pair the only one in the country composed entirely of military veterans.
DeSantis highlighted Collins’ bravery and the challenges he overcame, emphasizing the importance of military service in shaping public leadership. Collins, in turn, praised DeSantis for his service as a Navy judge advocate general, though he noted that DeSantis did not speak enough about his own Navy experience.
In addition to his military service, Collins has been involved in various civic duties, including leading the evacuation of Jewish Americans from Israel following the October 7, 2023, attack. He personally traveled to Israel and Jordan to assist U.S. citizens in returning to Florida’s safety.
Collins’ background is also marked by personal struggle, having been adopted, growing up in a trailer, and facing personal loss when his father passed away before he was an adult. Despite these challenges, he chose to serve his country and has since become a prominent figure in Florida politics.
DeSantis also mentioned Collins’ role in feeding displaced residents during hurricane events, further underscoring his commitment to community service and disaster relief. The governor expressed pride in appointing Collins, calling him a ‘man of action’ who has delivered conservative victories and been a productive senator.
Collins accepted the appointment with gratitude, acknowledging the support of DeSantis and the first lady, and expressing his commitment to continue serving the state. He emphasized his belief in opportunity and the American Dream, drawing from his own personal journey to inspire future generations.