DeSantis allies accuse Collins of running anonymous smear campaign

Tensions within Florida's Republican party are escalating as allies of Governor Ron DeSantis accuse State Board of Education member Layla Collins of operating anonymous social media accounts to attack the governor and promote her husband's political campaigns. Christina Pushaw, a communications adviser for DeSantis, alleged that Collins used at least two anonymous profiles, initially to support her husband's runs for office and later to "harass, defame & trash talk the governor and his team."

Jeremy Redfern, who works for Uthmeier and previously served DeSantis, echoed these sentiments, stating Collins should resign from the State Board of Education.

Collins, however, has denied the allegations, characterizing them as false and an attempt to intimidate her. She suggested that Pushaw had not provided proof of her involvement with the alleged accounts. In a social media post, Collins stated that "X trolls tried to falsely tie me to a so-called burner account" over the holiday weekend.

This dispute follows an awkward moment for Collins during a debate with other gubernatorial contenders. When primary rival James Fishback asked candidates to raise their hands if they voted for DeSantis in 2018, Collins hesitated. She later explained that she was in the process of moving to Florida after serving in the military at the time.

Polls indicate that Collins is trailing in the race for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, with Donalds holding a significant lead and fundraising advantage. Collins, however, remains resolute, asserting that she has a "real path to victory" and will not be intimidated into withdrawing from the race.