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by Fox 49 Staff
Florida lieutenant governor announces running mate on eve of Republican primary, pointing to Guthrie's experience leading the state through hurricanes and other disasters.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins has selected the state's top emergency management official, Kevin Guthrie, as his running mate in the race for governor, announcing the decision just hours before Republican voters choose their nominee.
Collins announced Monday that Guthrie, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, would join his ticket if Collins wins Tuesday's Republican primary.
The selection puts two members of Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration on the same ticket and reinforces Collins' campaign message that he would continue much of the direction established under the term-limited governor.
Collins points to Guthrie's disaster response experience
Collins emphasized Guthrie's decades of public safety experience and his leadership during some of Florida's most significant natural disasters.
"Kevin and I didn't meet at a fundraiser. We met on a mission," Collins said in announcing the pick. "He's spent his career running toward the problem, from 23 years in law enforcement to leading Florida through hurricanes, disasters, and some of our toughest moments."
DeSantis appointed Guthrie director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management in 2021.
Since then, Guthrie has overseen state emergency response efforts involving major hurricanes and other disasters, including Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton in 2024.
Before leading the state agency, Guthrie spent 23 years in law enforcement with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and later held emergency management and public safety positions in Flagler and Pasco counties. He joined the state Division of Emergency Management in 2018 and was elevated to deputy director under DeSantis in 2019.
Collins says lieutenant governor would have active role
Collins said Guthrie would not serve merely as a ceremonial second-in-command if their ticket wins in November.
"This office will not be ceremonial," Collins said. "Together, we will protect our infrastructure, protect our people, and make sure Florida is ready for whatever comes next."
Guthrie described himself as an "operator" whose career has focused on responding to emergencies and solving problems.
"I'm honored to join Jay in this mission and ready to serve the people of Florida," Guthrie said.
Collins, a retired Army Green Beret, was appointed lieutenant governor by DeSantis in August 2025. He has campaigned heavily on his military background and his support for continuing DeSantis' policies.
DeSantis, who cannot seek a third consecutive term, has not endorsed a candidate in the Republican primary.
2026 Sinclair, Inc.
