Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins Endorses Byron Donalds

Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins endorsed Republican gubernatorial nominee Byron Donalds on Tuesday, fulfilling a campaign promise to support the party's nominee. The move marks a significant shift for Collins, who placed second in the August 18 Republican primary with 25.2% of the vote and had previously campaigned against Donalds using harsh attacks and a dossier on the representative's record.

Donalds, who would become the first Black governor of Florida if elected, has now secured support from Collins in addition to endorsements from Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis. He faces Democratic nominee David Jolly in a general election that recent polling suggests is significantly closer than the 2022 gubernatorial race.

Jolly has gathered his own high-profile support, receiving endorsements from U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried.