Miami-Dade County Commissioner René Garcia is throwing his support behind current Lt. Gov. Jay Collins in the 2026 Florida Governor’s race.
Garcia announced his endorsement during the kickoff rally for Collins’ Freedom Tour at La Carreta in Hialeah, where a prerecorded video message was played for supporters.
“Florida doesn’t need another politician. It needs a proven leader,” Garcia said. “Jay Collins has served our country, served our state, and delivered results for Florida families. He has the experience, character, and vision to lead Florida forward, and I believe he’s the strongest Republican to win in November.”
Garcia, a former state Representative and Senator who now represents Miami-Dade County Commission District 13, praised Collins’ military service and record in public office, saying he “understands that government works for the people, not the other way around.”
Collins’ campaign said Garcia was “one of the most prominent elected officials in South Florida to endorse Collins, further strengthening the campaign’s growing support across the state.” The former Green Beret and current Lieutenant Governor has sought to position himself as the candidate best equipped to continue the conservative policies enacted under term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Collins welcomed Garcia’s backing.
“René has spent decades fighting for the people of Miami-Dade County and understands what leadership looks like,” Collins said. “His endorsement means a great deal because it comes from someone who has consistently put service above politics.”
He continued, “Florida’s success didn’t happen by accident. We built the strongest economy in the nation, stood up for freedom when others backed down, and became the blueprint for conservative governance.”
Collins is one of several Republicans hoping to succeed DeSantis in the Governor’s Mansion, with Trump-endorsed U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds leading the pack in both fundraising and most polls. Former House Speaker Paul Renner and James Fishback are also running for the GOP nomination.