Jay Collins works to show he’s ‘competent and capable’ to earn Ron DeSantis’ endorsement

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins says he didn’t expect an immediate endorsement from Gov. Ron DeSantis after entering the 2026 Governor’s race, but suggests it is coming once he proves himself as being worthy of it.

During an interview on News Radio WFLA, the Tampa Republican said he didn’t “anticipate having an endorsement when (he) jumped in the race.”

“You’ve got to earn it. You got to go show that you’re relevant, you’re competent and capable,” Collins said.

“If I had launched as soon as I was put in as a Lieutenant Governor, that would have not shown real success. It wouldn’t have shown that I was serious about earning the people’s trust. And frankly, I think you’ve got to stand and do that first. That’s why I spend months leading and standing and pushing on issues before I jump into the race. That’s a large part of that. You got to show you’re competent and capable first before you ask for a promotion.”

DeSantis said in January that there would be “time to do the political stuff” when asked if he was endorsing Collins before giving political advice that suggested his endorsement was up for grabs.

“If I were one of those guys (running), I would say, ‘Here’s how I supported the success Florida’s had. And here’s what I’ll do to build on it going forward.’ And I would, you know, articulate things that you want to tackle. So we’ll see how that goes.”

Collins said the appointment was essentially a soft endorsement.

“The Governor has been very clear on Day 1, when he appointed me, he said, Jay is Day 1 ready. He said, if something were to happen to me, he can step in and lead on these issues now. That’s a pretty strong endorsement stance, if you look at it that way,” he said.

“And when it’s there, down the road, I’m sure that that will be something we’ll discuss. But you got to show that you’re serious, and you’re earning it. And that’s exactly what I’ve been doing.”

DeSantis has said he endorses based on conviction.

“I get involved in Primaries when I have someone I believe in, and someone that really reflects what I think the state needs, and that is really bold in that,” DeSantis said in January. “That’s just something people have to prove as they announce candidacies and get out there and do it.”

It’s now April, and it appears the Governor still awaits sufficient proof.