Why I Am Endorsing Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins for Governor of Florida
By Christi Tasker
There are moments in politics when endorsements are based on personalities, polling, or political convenience.
This is not one of those moments.
My endorsement of Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins is based on something far more important: character, courage, proven leadership, and a lifetime of service to the United States and the State of Florida.
As a conservative, community advocate, and someone who has spent years fighting for government accountability, constitutional rights, public safety, and the people of Florida, I believe our next governor must have already demonstrated the ability to lead under the most difficult circumstances imaginable.
Jay Collins has done exactly that, and he’s not only fought for Florida – he’s gone to battle for America!
A Battle-Tested Leader
Long before entering politics, Jay Collins answered the call to serve our nation as a United States Army Special Forces Green Beret.
While leading American soldiers in combat, Jay suffered life-changing injuries that ultimately resulted in the loss of his leg. For many, that would have marked the end of military service. For Jay Collins, it became another mission.
Through extraordinary determination, discipline, and perseverance, he accomplished what few believed possible—he re-qualified as a combat Green Beret after becoming an amputee. That achievement alone speaks volumes about the type of leader he is. He doesn’t let losing a leg keep him down.
His story is not one of tragedy. It is a story of resilience.
It is a story of refusing to quit.
It is a story of continuing to serve others regardless of personal sacrifice.
Those same qualities continue to define his service today as Florida’s Lieutenant Governor.
A Proven Conservative Record and
Military service prepared Jay Collins to lead.
His work in the Florida Senate demonstrated that he can govern.
One of the accomplishments I admire most is his leadership on legislation requiring Florida students to learn the true history of communism and the devastating consequences it has inflicted on millions of people around the world.
As Floridians, many of our neighbors escaped communist regimes in Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and other countries in search of freedom. Their stories deserve to be remembered. Our children deserve to understand why liberty should never be taken for granted.
Jay recognized that preserving freedom begins with teaching history here at home.
His legislative record also reflects his commitment to serving those who have served our country by sponsoring legislation to strengthen protections for veterans seeking the benefits they have earned through military service.
He has championed legislation improving crisis response and public safety, supported initiatives to modernize driver education and roadway safety, and consistently backed policies that strengthen families, law enforcement, veterans, and constitutional freedoms.
Jay Collins has demonstrated that conservative leadership is more than campaign rhetoric—it is delivering results.
Continuing the DeSantis Legacy
Governor Ron DeSantis transformed Florida into the nation’s leader for freedom, economic opportunity, parental rights, public safety, and limited government. Even Prime Minister Boris Johnson said if the world had used the Ron DeSantis plan instead of trusting the science, the world would be better off.
Maintaining that momentum requires a leader who understands not only why those policies succeeded but also who possesses the courage to defend them when challenged.
I believe Jay Collins is uniquely qualified to continue that work as he was hand-selected to serve as Lt. Governor by our Governor Ron DeSantis.
Jay Collins priorities reflect the issues that matter most to Florida families:
- Protecting Florida First principles
- Securing our borders and combating the fentanyl crisis
- Lowering the cost of property insurance, auto insurance, housing, and taxes
- Supporting small businesses and growing Florida’s economy
- Protecting Florida farmers, ranchers, and private property rights
- Empowering parents through world-class education
- Defending faith, family, freedom, and constitutional rights
- Supporting law enforcement and maintaining law and order
- Expanding services for veterans
- Protecting Florida’s seniors
- Investing responsibly in infrastructure
- Preserving Florida’s natural resources, beaches, Everglades, and wildlife
These priorities represent more than campaign promises—they reflect the values that have made Florida the nation’s destination for families, entrepreneurs, veterans, and those seeking freedom.
A Family That Serves
Public service is never the work of one individual.
Behind every soldier, every public servant, and every elected official is a family that sacrifices alongside them. Jay’s wife Layla is a Veteran and brilliant woman. Their two boys are kind and present, watching their mom and dad work hard.
Their commitment to faith, family, service, and country reflects the values that continue to make Florida strong.
Leadership begins at home, and the Collins family exemplifies those principles.
Protecting the American Dream
The American Dream exists because generations of Americans have defended it.
Jay Collins understands that better than most.
He didn’t simply speak about freedom.
He fought for it.
He sacrificed for it.
He continues protecting it through public service.
Whether standing on a battlefield overseas or standing on one leg serving the people of Florida in Tallahassee, Jay has consistently demonstrated that leadership means putting others before yourself.
Why I Am Endorsing Jay Collins
I support Jay Collins because:
- 🇺🇸 He has repeatedly answered the call to serve his country.
- 💜 He earned the Purple Heart through sacrifice, then returned to qualify again as a Green Beret.
- 📜 He has a proven record of advancing conservative legislation in the Florida Senate.
- 🏛️ He has continued serving Florida as Lieutenant Governor with integrity and dedication.
- 👨👩👧👦 He represents faith, family, service, and the values that strengthen our communities.
- 🇺🇸 He believes in protecting—not fundamentally changing—the American Dream.
- 🗽 I believe he has the character, experience, and courage to lead Florida into its next chapter.
My Endorsement
Leadership is revealed during adversity—not comfort.
Jay Collins has already proven himself under the most demanding circumstances imaginable.
He has led Americans into combat.
He has overcome extraordinary challenges.
He has continued serving his fellow citizens in the Florida Senate and as Lieutenant Governor.
Florida deserves a governor whose life has been defined by service before self.
For those reasons, I am honored to endorse Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins as the next Governor of the State of Florida.
I encourage every Floridia to take time to learn about his record, review his vision for Florida’s future, volunteer if you are able, and most importantly, participate in our Republican Primary Election on August 18, 2026.
Together, we can continue building a Florida that remains free, safe, prosperous, and the envy of the nation.
God bless the State of Florida.
God bless the United States of America.
Learn More About Jay Collins
Visit JayForFlorida.com to review Jay Collins’ Issues, legislative record, campaign platform.
And I encourage each of you to attend one of Jay’s upcoming events,and meet him in person. His team is built on volunteers – join his team.
Review his endorsements, and plans for Florida’s future.
Learn More About The August 18th Election
Details for the August 18 Republican Primary Election
— Christi Tasker
Miami GOP Committeewoman, District 17 (Brickell, Downtown Miami and Surrounding Areas)
VFAF.us National Press Secretary
