Lt. Gov. Collins Attacks Byron Donalds in GOP Governor Race
Lt. Gov. Jay Collins distributed a 13-page report attacking Rep. Byron Donalds, warning Republicans about electability risks in the governor’s race.
ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA — Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins launched a sharp attack against U.S. Representative Byron Donalds on Monday, distributing a 13-page report detailing alleged “liabilities” as the Republican primary for governor intensifies.
Speaking at The Urban Stillhouse brewing company in St. Petersburg, Collins told supporters that Donalds has been found “wanting” in his decision-making, performance in office, and moral clarity. The lieutenant governor, who trails significantly in polling, said he debated whether to go nuclear on the frontrunner but ultimately decided the stakes were too high to remain silent.
“I wish this race was simply about the issues. I wish we can have a straight-forward conversation about policy and the future of this state. But there is too much at stake to ignore the reality of what’s in front of us,” Collins said.
Warning About General Election
Collins framed his criticism around electability concerns, arguing that Republican voters must consider who can win in November rather than just the primary contest. He warned that unaddressed issues could doom the party’s chances against the Democratic nominee.
“Because this race isn’t just about who can win the primary, who has the most money, or the most endorsements; it’s about who can win the general election,” he continued.
“These issues get talked about now or they get talked about in October, where we cannot risk this state falling and having [David] Jolly as our next governor,” he said, adding, “this is not a risk that we can afford to take here in Florida.”
Donalds Dominates Republican Field
Donalds has controlled the Republican gubernatorial race since entering last year, bolstered by President Donald Trump’s endorsement before he officially announced his candidacy. The congressman’s campaign has significantly outpaced his rivals in both polling numbers and fundraising.
Recent polls from February show Donalds leading by 25 to 42 points over his Republican competitors, including Collins, former House Speaker Paul Renner, and investment firm CEO James Fishback. His campaign has raised $67 million to date, according to Florida Phoenix, exceeding the combined fundraising totals of all other major candidates from both parties seeking to succeed Governor Ron DeSantis.
Collins Denies Exit Rumors
The aggressive attack came just days after Collins took to social media to deny rumors that he was preparing to end his campaign. The lieutenant governor’s decision to distribute opposition research against Donalds signals an escalation in what has been a relatively subdued primary race until now.
Collins emphasized that while he would prefer to focus solely on policy differences and the state’s future, the current political scene requires addressing what he views as serious concerns about the frontrunner’s viability in a general election against the expected Democratic nominee.
