Miami-Dade County Commissioner René Garcia has officially endorsed Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins in his bid for governor. The move injects a prominent South Florida voice into Collins’ campaign as the retired Green Beret looks to construct a broad statewide network of conservative officials, law enforcement backers, and grassroots voters.
Garcia broke the news through a pre-recorded video presentation. The announcement played during a kickoff rally for Collins’ “Freedom Tour,” hosted at La Carreta restaurant in Hialeah.
“Florida doesn’t need another politician. It needs a proven leader,” Commissioner 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 focused heavily on the candidate’s public service history and his approach to governance.
“Throughout his time in public service, Jay has proven himself to be a hardworking leader who understands that government works for the people, not the other way around,” Garcia stated. “Florida has become the model for conservative leadership, and Jay Collins is the right person to continue that success.”
With this announcement, Garcia stands out as one of the most recognizable local elected leaders in the region to align with Collins, providing the campaign a strategic boost in populous Miami-Dade County.
Collins welcomed the endorsement, pointing to Garcia’s long legislative and local footprint in the area.
“I am honored to have Commissioner Garcia’s support,” Collins responded. “René has spent decades fighting for the people of Miami-Dade County and understands what leadership looks like. His endorsement means a great deal because it comes from someone who has consistently put service above politics.”
Collins outlined his platform for the upcoming gubernatorial election, stating that the race centers on safeguarding Florida’s recent economic gains and maintaining its conservative policies.
“Florida’s success didn’t happen by accident,” Collins said. “We built the strongest economy in the nation, stood up for freedom when others backed down, and became the blueprint for conservative governance. The mission now is simple: protect what we’ve built, make Florida more affordable for working families, and keep our state moving forward.”
“I never planned on getting into politics. But when leaders stop acting like warriors for the people they serve, it’s time for warriors to step up and lead. That’s exactly what I’m prepared to do as Florida’s next governor.”
Garcia’s political career in South Florida spans several decades. He has represented District 13 on the Miami-Dade County Commission since 2020, serving on panels overseeing recreation, tourism, safety, health, and transportation. Before his county role, Garcia served in Tallahassee as a member of both the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate, following his initial entry into public service as a city council member in Hialeah.
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