Friday, Oct. 10, 2025

Is Florida the only state to have both governor and lieutenant governors be veterans?

Clinton Engelberger | Suncoast Searchlight, Suncoast Searchlight

yes

Both Gov. Ron DeSantis and Lt. Gov. Jay Collins served in the military, making Florida the only state to have those two leadership positions be filled by veterans.

DeSantis’ military past includes serving as a Navy lawyer who advised a SEAL commander when troops were deployed in Iraq. Collins served with the U.S. Army Special Forces and was sworn in as lieutenant governor in August.

Other states have a governor or lieutenant governor who are veterans, but not both like Florida. For example, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore are all veterans, but their second-in-commands are not.

Five states, including Arizona, Wyoming, Maine, New Hampshire and Oregon, do not have lieutenant governors.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

Sources

Florida Department of State Gov. Ron DeSantis bio page
Jay Collins for State Senate Jay Collins bio page
National Governors Association Nation’s Governors Implement Policies to Support Veterans
National Lieutenant Governors Association FAQ page
Louisiana Office of the Governor Gov. Jeff Landry bio page
Maryland Office of the Governor Gov. Wes Moore statement on military record
U.S. Library of Congress Gov. Tim Walz bio page

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Is Florida the only state to have both governor and lieutenant governors be veterans?

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