Why DeSantis Won't Endorse the Next Florida Governor

Everyone keeps asking the same question, why hasn’t DeSantis endorsed Florida’s next governor yet?

I did a full video breakdown on this: Watch the full video now

If DeSantis spoke up tomorrow, this race would basically be over. A Mason-Dixon poll from January shows 49% of Florida voters are still undecided. That’s massive. And it’s not because they don’t care. It’s because they’re waiting. When DeSantis picks, people follow. Period. So the silence isn’t confusion or hesitation. It’s intentional. So why hasn’t he picked his successor yet?

Here’s the first reason. Endorsing the wrong person right now would blow this into another Trump vs. DeSantis media war. Trump already endorsed Byron Donalds early, and if DeSantis backs someone else (even if they’re a better choice), the headlines write themselves. The base splits, the media feasts, and Florida turns into a national sideshow. DeSantis isn’t doing that. He’s keeping Florida focused on winning, not drama.

But the second reason is bigger, and honestly, it says a lot about how DeSantis leads. He doesn’t hand out endorsements early. He wants to see who can fight without one. He’s done this over and over. He watches who steps up, who can take hits, and who proves they can lead when the pressure’s on.

And here’s the truth, DeSantis has already made his choice. It’s Jay Collins. He’s just not announcing it yet. You don’t quietly put someone in the number-two spot in the state unless you’re grooming them to take over. This isn’t an endorsement problem. It’s a timing strategy. Before that, he endorsed Jay for the Florida Senate, and Jay won. You don’t give someone jobs like that unless you trust them to run the State.

Jay’s not just talk. He’s a Green Beret. Battle-tested. Florida strong. And he’s the only candidate actually committed to ending property taxes on homestead homes instead of dancing around it. For homeowners, that’s not a slogan, that’s real money back in your pocket every year.

Compare that to Byron Donalds. Yes, he has Trump’s endorsement. Yes, he’s pulling in big donor money. But his record is full of flip-flops. Property taxes. Immigration. January 6. Stock trading. Missed votes. Positions that change when the polls change. Florida doesn’t need a wind sock. We need backbone. That’s how DeSantis kept Florida open during COVID while everyone else folded.

And sure, there are a few other names floating around in this primary, but let’s be real, this race is gonna narrow fast. By the time August rolls around, it’s a two-man fight.

This race isn’t about who talks the loudest. It’s about who can carry Florida forward for the next eight years. DeSantis knows it. Jay Collins knows it. That’s why the endorsement hasn’t happened yet. He’s letting Jay prove it first. Which is exactly what he’s doing. When the timing’s right, don’t be surprised when it drops. Im predicting DeSantis endorses Jay Collins in April.

Now here’s the part you really need to know.

Jay Collins and Byron Donalds are running in the Republican primary. That election is Tuesday, August 18, 2026. That’s the election that decides this race. Florida has closed primaries, which means only registered Republicans can vote.

If you’re registered as an Independent or a Democrat and you want to vote for Jay Collins, you must switch your registration by July 20, 2026. Miss that deadline and you’re locked out. No exceptions. Go to RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov, update your registration, and make sure your party is set to Republican. It takes a few minutes and saves a lot of regret later.

Florida’s future depends on picking a fighter, not a flipper.

And just so we’re clear, I don’t ever take money from any politician or campaign. This is all my own opinion. My goal is simple: keep Florida strong, get another great governor, and finally end property taxes. If you want to support Jay, head to JayForFlorida.com.

Click here to watch: Watch the full video now

Grant Warrington

Think like an Investor

YouTube Channel

P.S If you need a Florida Realtor, get in touch with my wife Monika. She can connect you with a great Realtor anywhere in the state of Florida - click to contact. I’m not licensed in real estate and don’t take part in any deals or earn referral fees. I’m just pointing you to someone I trust who’s great at what she does.