Chris Collins calls voter ID ‘common sense’ in new ads 

Former U.S. Rep. Chris Collins is taking to Southwest Florida airwaves with two advertisements promoting voter ID and the SAVE America Act as part of his campaign for the GOP nomination in Florida’s 19th Congressional District.

The Collins campaign said the 30-second and 15-second spots are running across broadcast and streaming platforms. Both pledge support for the SAVE America Act, a federal voter ID requirement and measures intended to ensure only U.S. citizens vote.

“The overwhelming majority of Americans support requiring an ID to vote — and it’s common sense, considering you need one to drive a car or board an airplane,” Collins said in a press release.

“In Congress, I’ll fight alongside President Trump to pass the SAVE America Act and secure our elections for good. No more cheating, no more illegals in our elections — protect every single American vote.” 

In the 30-second spot, Collins introduces himself as “the original Trump conservative” before comparing voting requirements with the identification needed to drive a car or board an airplane. He then pledges to pass the SAVE America Act, ensure only U.S. citizens vote, and secure elections “so Democrats can’t cheat.” 

The 15-second spot delivers a similar message but omits the accusation against Democrats.

The ads continue Collins’ effort to position himself as Donald Trump’s earliest congressional ally. Collins was the first member of Congress to endorse Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign and later founded and chaired the Congressional Trump Caucus.

An earlier Collins ad highlighted his early Trump endorsement while drawing parallels between the two men, including their shared taste for Diet Coke and well-done steaks. Collins was also the first candidate in the CD 19 contest to advertise on television, buying Southwest Florida airtime during the Super Bowl in January.

The advertising push is backed almost entirely by Collins’ personal wealth. He loaned his campaign more than $2.6 million through the end of June and had reported no outside contributions. After spending about $495,000 during the second quarter, Collins entered July with more than $1.5 million available.

Collins represented a New York congressional district from 2013 until 2019 and now lives on Marco Island. He is one of 10 Republicans seeking to succeed U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, who is running for Governor.

The field also includes Sarasota County Charter Review Board member Greg “Tex” Bukowski, former U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn, former congressional staffer Ola Hawatmeh, author and conservative activist Catalina Lauf, former Illinois lawmaker Jim Oberweis, veteran Mike Pedersen, former National Institutes of Health researcher Linda J. Sawyer, Sun Broadcasting President Jim Schwartzel and John Strand.

Democrats Victor Arias, Robert M. Neeld and Howard Sapp are also running, along with no-party candidate Seth Haskin and write-in candidate Alexandra Zakhvatayev.

The Primary is Aug. 18, with the General Election set for Nov. 3.