After GOP's brutal midterms, ‘Chuck Norris of Florida politics’ tells party to 'get up and fight'
Amid a devastating midterm cycle for Republicans, Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, dubbed the ‘Chuck Norris of Florida politics,’ urges the party to rise, stay true to conservative principles, and rebuild with renewed resilience. He credits Florida’s shift from purple to a strong red fortress as a blueprint for national recovery, emphasizing outreach to no-party-affiliated voters and a clear, honest messaging approach. Collins urges Republicans to regroup, learn from losses, and prepare for a 2028 contest while remaining committed to unity and a big-tent conservatism. The piece frames Florida as a case study in organizing, messaging, and turning setbacks into momentum, with an eye toward future leadership questions.
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Collins, a wounded combat veteran who walked with a prosthetic leg, described the midterm losses as a period of reckoning and urged the GOP to 'get up and fight' in the face of adversity.
DeSantis has called Collins the 'Chuck Norris of Florida politics' and framed Florida’s transformation into the nation’s largest red bastion as a model for others, noting the state’s ability to win by communicating with NPAs and moderate voters.
Collins recalled winning a Tampa district in a non-conservative stronghold by targeting NPAs and light Democrats, arguing that outreach to non-Republican voters is essential to expanding the party’s base.
He attributed Florida’s success to a messaging strategy that did not shy away from conservative beliefs, arguing that honesty and conversation with voters built trust and a broader coalition.
The interview attributes Florida’s political realignment to a disciplined, issue-focused approach and suggests the state will play a central role in 2028 elections as Republicans seek to translate state-level gains into national wins.
Collins is term-limited in January alongside DeSantis and indicated he would consider future roles in state or national politics, emphasizing a need to row the boat and unite the party for the long term.