Could it be that Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Jay Collins as Florida’s new lieutenant governor not just to fill a vacancy, but to set the stage for something bigger? Is this a calculated succession plan, positioning Collins as the heir apparent for the Governor’s Mansion in 2026?

And if so — is this move aimed directly at sidestepping Donald Trump’s pick for the job, Byron Donalds?

Reading the Political Tea Leaves

DeSantis’ choice of Collins raised eyebrows for more than just his military résumé. It’s no secret that Trump has already endorsed Donalds for governor. Collins, on the other hand, is a DeSantis loyalist — the kind of person you’d want in place if you were thinking about leaving office early or wanted to make sure your successor carried on your political brand.

So here’s the question: Is this about grooming the “next man up,” or is it about blocking a rival backed by Trump?

What About DeSantis’s Own Next Move?

With his gubernatorial term ending in 2026, DeSantis will need a new chapter. Will he aim for national office against big names like J.D. Vance or Marco Rubio? Will Trump offer him a powerful role in Washington? Or… will he take a lucrative and influential position, such as President of the University of Florida — a role that can pay up to $3 million a year?

And if he chooses that academic route, does installing a trusted ally in the governor’s chair help smooth his own landing?

Is This the Florida Version of “Kamala’s Turn”?

Some are comparing this to when Barack Obama seemed to quietly set the stage for Kamala Harris as his preferred candidate — a move that left voters wondering how much of their choice was real and how much was predetermined. Could we be watching a similar script play out in Tallahassee?

Collins is suddenly everywhere — smiling, shaking hands, appearing in headlines. The optics are perfect for a “rising star” story. But in politics, the glossy surface often hides the true motives.

Why This Matters

Political succession isn’t just about qualifications; it’s about control. A governor can shape the state’s future long after leaving office if their chosen successor owes them the job. But it also risks bypassing the voters’ natural decision-making process.

Florida Republicans may soon face a choice that’s less about policy and more about loyalty — to Trump’s candidate or DeSantis’s. As ugly as this sounds – I’ve learned over the years that politics is a game of chess, not checkers. I was never very good at chess but I’ve gotten pretty good at noticing “chess moves” and one thing is certain – this new move by DeSantis is about something more than what we see now. Stay tuned for more game moves.