The LG is acting like a candidate even if he hasn’t officially launched a bid.
While Lt. Gov. Jay Collins hasn’t formally declared a run for Governor, he is spending the early part of this week road-testing messaging.
Collins, a Tampa Republican, will address the Republican Party of Duval County Monday in a “fireside chat” during the group’s monthly meeting at the Salem Centre.
Some portion of that event will be recorded for future broadcast.
Only registered Republicans will be allowed to attend.
On Tuesday evening, he will talk to the Jax Beaches Women’s Republican Club. At this writing, the event has 63 registered attendees, and 31 spots are available at $25 a person.
The cover charge is because the venue won’t serve the general public while Collins is there.
“For the security of our Lt. Governor, Strings has to close for the evening. They will be providing food buffet-style at $25 per person,” the event page explains.
Collins has struggled in public polls of the still-nascent Republican field to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Collins is at 1% in a survey from Victory Insights and at 4% in one from St. Pete Polls.
However, his formal entry into the race might galvanize the DeSantis political machine into helping him become better known statewide as the best person to continue the Governor’s approach to leading the state.
