Why It Matters
Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins is struggling to gain financial traction in the Republican primary for governor, raising concerns about his viability against U.S. Representative Byron Donalds, whom former President Donald Trump has endorsed. The fundraising disparity highlights a widening gap in a race that could determine the leadership of the nation’s third-largest state.
What Happened
Collins disclosed raising approximately $1.7 million during the first quarter of 2026, combining contributions to his Quiet Professionals FL political committee and his campaign account. The Tampa Republican collected more than $1.6 million through the committee and over $143,000 directly to his campaign.
Donalds, by contrast, raised $22 million during the same three-month period. The congressman holds Trump’s endorsement and has maintained a commanding lead in public polling.
By the Numbers
A single donor accounted for $1 million of Collins’ committee fundraising. United Again, LLC, reportedly a vehicle for political donations from Body Armor CEO Michael Repole, provided the bulk of the lieutenant governor’s financial support. The company has previously backed Governor Ron DeSantis’ campaigns.
Collins received minimal contributions from lobbyists or political leaders, according to reports filed Friday. Donalds consistently polls between 40 and 50 percent statewide, while Collins registers in the single digits.
Zoom Out
Trump’s endorsement has reshaped Republican primary dynamics nationwide, often creating insurmountable advantages for preferred candidates. Collins’ difficulty attracting establishment support despite his position as lieutenant governor reflects the former president’s influence over GOP donor networks and voter preferences.
DeSantis appointed Collins to the lieutenant governor role but has not endorsed him in the gubernatorial race. The governor previously called Collins the “Chuck Norris of Florida politics,” but his reluctance to formally back his appointee has drawn repeated questions from reporters.
What’s Next
Collins has attributed his polling deficit to what he calls “suppression polling” and said he needs to prove himself worthy of DeSantis’ endorsement. With Donalds holding a substantial financial and polling advantage, Collins faces a narrowing window to demonstrate competitiveness before the primary.
The lieutenant governor has been campaigning across Florida, though his events have drawn small crowds. Whether a single major donor or other financial backers can close the fundraising gap remains an open question as the race moves into the spring.