DeSantis has been without a second in command since February, after appointing former Lt. Gov. Jeannette Nuñez as president of Florida International University in Miami. The decision to appoint the Republican state senator provides the sharpest signs yet into DeSantis’ thinking on who should succeed him in next year’s election.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R ) appointed state Sen. Jay Collins (R ) as lieutenant governor on Tuesday, filling the position that had been vacant for six months. “He’s been a man of action.