TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Lt. Gov. Jay Collins is forcefully denying allegations that he clashed with members of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ political team, calling the accusations “factless” as Florida’s Republican gubernatorial primary enters a more competitive phase.
Speaking with reporters this week, Collins rejected claims that he made threatening remarks about Taryn Fenske, a longtime DeSantis adviser who later joined the Governor’s political operation. Reports of the alleged incident have circulated in political circles and on social media, fueling speculation about tensions inside DeSantis’ orbit as Collins seeks the Republican nomination for governor.
“Those are factless, baseless claims. No threats were made. I would never do that,” Collins said.
The allegations stem from reports that Collins was frustrated over Fenske’s inability to help build support for his gubernatorial campaign among DeSantis’ political donors and allies. According to those reports, comments allegedly made during a Florida State football game last year became the subject of discussion among people close to the Governor’s political network.
Collins dismissed the allegations outright and said they do not reflect his character.
“I protected our people my entire life,” Collins said. “I would stand in front of people who want to do harm, even to people I don’t like. I’m a warrior. I’m a protector.”
Collins Defends Relationship With DeSantis
Despite the controversy, Collins emphasized that he maintains a strong relationship with DeSantis and rejected any suggestion that the dispute reflects broader divisions within the Governor’s administration.
“I have no issues whatsoever with the Governor, nor his family, or anything he stands for,” Collins said. “He’s the greatest Governor in our state’s history.”
Collins noted that DeSantis personally selected him to serve as lieutenant governor and said he remains grateful for the opportunity to serve in the administration.
Asked whether DeSantis plans to endorse him in the Republican primary, Collins declined to speculate, saying only that the decision belongs to the Governor.
When asked why DeSantis had not publicly addressed the allegations, Collins replied, “I would ask the Governor what’s going on there,” while suggesting only a handful of people were amplifying the claims.
As of publication, the Governor’s office has not publicly commented on the allegations.
Collins Sharpens Attacks on GOP Rivals
Collins also used the appearance to intensify his criticism of fellow Republican candidates, arguing the race has effectively narrowed to a contest between himself and U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, who has emerged as the Republican front-runner in the governor’s race.
Collins argued that former House Speaker Paul Renner should reconsider remaining in the race, claiming Renner’s support remains in the low single digits and describing him as no longer politically relevant. Collins did not cite polling data to support the claim.
The remarks reflect an increasingly aggressive campaign strategy as Republican candidates compete for endorsements, donors and voter support ahead of Florida’s Aug. 18 primary election.
Immigration and Public Safety
Beyond campaign politics, Collins addressed several issues currently dominating state headlines, including immigration enforcement and youth crime.
He defended law enforcement following a recent immigration arrest in St. Johns County that ended when a suspect fled into traffic and was struck by a tractor-trailer.
“Law enforcement did not force him into traffic. He chose to go there,” Collins said.
Collins also described recent “teen takeover” incidents as examples of organized lawlessness and called for continued support for Florida law enforcement agencies.
Campaign Enters Critical Stretch
The dispute comes as Florida’s Republican gubernatorial primary enters its final month before voting begins in earnest.
Collins has increasingly positioned himself as the principal conservative alternative to Donalds while continuing to highlight his service as lieutenant governor, military background and close relationship with DeSantis. Whether the Governor ultimately endorses a candidate remains one of the biggest unanswered questions in Florida’s 2026 governor’s race.
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