TAMPA, FL – Florida’s next gubernatorial race is taking on a distinctly national security focus, with Lt. Gov. Jay Collins framing his campaign as a bulwark against foreign threats during a Wednesday press conference held near MacDill Air Force Base. The setting was deliberate, chosen to highlight the recent indictments of two Chinese American men accused of leaving an explosive device outside the base last month, a case that Collins used to underscore what he sees as a growing vulnerability in American institutions.
The indictments, announced last week, allege that Alan Zheng, 20, and another individual planted the device. U.S. Attorney Greg Kehoe has stated that, as of now, there is no evidence linking Zheng to the Chinese government, though the investigation remains ongoing. The Florida Phoenix reported that Collins, standing beside a placard displaying excerpts from articles of China’s National Intelligence Law, argued for a “zero tolerance” approach to potential espionage within education, defense, and critical infrastructure.
Policy Proposals and Concerns Over Civil Liberties
Collins outlined several policy proposals he would champion as governor, beginning with a ban on visa holders from “all nations of terror and/or espionage” attending Florida universities or working for companies contracting with the state government. He also reiterated the need for continued counterterrorism training for state and local law enforcement, echoing a push initiated by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2024, who argued the federal government had scaled back such efforts.
The Lt. Governor also expressed support for greater information sharing between state and federal agencies, seeking “real time critical intelligence information” for local law enforcement. This echoes a proposal from earlier this year, sponsored by Hillsborough County Republican Danny Alvarez, to create a counterterrorism and counterintelligence unit within the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. That proposal ultimately stalled in committee amid concerns about potential civil liberties violations.
A Broader Republican Focus on National Security
Collins isn’t alone among Republican candidates in emphasizing national security concerns. Former House Speaker Paul Renner, also vying for the governorship, announced last week that he would advocate for a federal ban on Muslim immigration, asserting a perceived incompatibility between Islam and American values. This statement, as reported by the Tampa Bay Times, has drawn criticism from civil rights groups.
Both Collins and Renner bring military experience to the race. Renner served in the U.S. Navy and Reserves, even as Collins is a decorated veteran of the U.S. Army Special Forces, having served over two decades in conflict zones including Iraq, Afghanistan, and South America. He was appointed Lieutenant Governor by DeSantis last August after previously winning a state Senate seat.
Echoes of Past Controversies and Current Political Dynamics
During the press conference, Collins revisited past controversies, criticizing “New York City leftists” for ending the “stop and frisk” policing tactic, which was ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge in 2013. He also invoked DeSantis’ controversial removals of Democratic state attorneys Andrew Warren and Monique Worrell, signaling his willingness to seize similar action if elected.
Former CIA agent Sara Adams, a senior advisor on the U.S. House Select Committee on Benghazi, joined Collins at the event. Adams cited figures released by former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent in December, claiming approximately 18,000 known or suspected terrorists had entered the country under the Biden administration. She then questioned how many of those individuals might be in Florida.
A Challenging Path to the Nomination
Despite his focus on national security, Collins currently trails significantly behind Naples U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds in the race for the Republican nomination. A University of North Florida poll conducted in late February showed Donalds with 31% support among likely GOP primary voters, compared to just 4% for Collins.
Collins, though, downplayed the poll numbers, pointing to past election cycles where early frontrunners ultimately failed to secure the nomination. “The front runner doesn’t often win; the tincture of time brings with it more scrutiny,” he said, subtly suggesting that Donalds, who has received an endorsement from former President Trump, has yet to face sufficient examination.
“I try hard not to talk poorly of people too terribly much and talk about myself,” Collins added, “but I would highly encourage people to begin and do a Google search on bills that people have run, what they stand for, and what they talk about. I’m the same person today that I’ve been every day. I served my nation, I served our state, and I serve my family to the best of my ability every single day.”
The August 18th primary will be a crucial test for Collins, who is attempting to carve out a distinct lane in a crowded field by emphasizing national security concerns and portraying himself as a seasoned leader prepared to confront emerging threats. The coming months will reveal whether that message resonates with Republican primary voters.
The next key date in the race is the candidate qualifying deadline in June, after which the full field of contenders will be finalized. Voters can find more information about the candidates and the election process on the Florida Department of State’s Division of Elections website.
If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety or fear related to national security concerns, resources are available. You can contact the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness website at https://www.nami.org/.
