Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis selected Republican state Sen. Jay Collins to be his next lieutenant governor on Tuesday, immediately leading to speculation that the retired Army Green Beret could be the candidate to run for governor in 2026 and continue the DeSantis legacy.

TAMPA, Fla. - Gov. Ron DeSantis is holding a news conference in Tampa on Tuesday morning, with the Republican Party of Florida confirming he will announce State Sen. Jay Collins as the state’s lieutenant governor. The governor plans to speak at 10 a.m. at Team House Tampa, a veteran-owned event space and underground tavern off S. Dale Mabry Hwy.

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Aug. 12 named state Sen. Jay Collins, R-Tampa, as the state's next lieutenant governor, ending a six-month vacancy in the position.