Leaked texts suggest top Ron DeSantis allies privately speculate Florida governor shows signs of autism

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA: Newly surfaced text messages suggest that some of Florida Gov Ron DeSantis’ closest political allies privately believe he may be on the autism spectrum.

The revelation comes from a Florida Politics report published Wednesday, August 20, which detailed a back-and-forth exchange between Florida Lt Gov Jay Collins and Republican state Rep Alex Andrade.

Private exchange between Lt Gov Jay Collins and state Rep Alex Andrade revealed

The conversation reportedly took place after DeSantis announced Andrade as his pick for lieutenant governor. In the messages, Andrade suggested that DeSantis displays behavioral traits often associated with autism, though he also praised the governor’s professional achievements.

“Incredibly successful people have Asperger’s. DeSantis shows obvious signs that he could be on the spectrum. He’s an incredibly successful governor,” Andrade wrote, according to the outlet.

Collins pushed back, telling Andrade to confront his own issues rather than speculate on the governor’s condition. “Yes, they do have real success. And you can try and justify your actions, just accept it. You’re screwed up and move on,” Collins replied.

According to the outlet, Andrade directly asked Collins if DeSantis “might have Asperger’s,” pressing him for a clear response. “Just yes or no,” he wrote. Collins replied, “Yes he is. But it still doesn’t change the fact that you’re trying to change the subject, misdirect and redirect, because you don’t want to accept responsibility.”

The private remarks come at a delicate political moment for the Florida governor. Now serving his second term, DeSantis is term-limited and facing growing friction with fellow Republican lawmakers in Tallahassee.

That tension has intensified in recent weeks as scrutiny mounts over Hope Florida, a nonprofit organization linked to both DeSantis and his wife, Casey DeSantis.

Jay Collins’ wife condemns Alex Andrade for using autism as insult

Andrade later confirmed the conversation, telling reporters it happened shortly after he appeared on Laura Loomer’s podcast on April 23. During the interview, he was asked about speculation in Tallahassee regarding the governor’s behavior. Andrade replied, “I’m one of them,” indicating that he, too, believed DeSantis could be autistic.

The comment triggered swift backlash, particularly from Layla Collins, the wife of Lt Gov Jay Collins. She sharply criticized Andrade’s remarks on X, writing, “Using Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) as one of your petty insults is low and despicable. You are truly in a pathetic place when this is all you have.” She signed the post as “mom of a great ASD kiddo.” 

The dispute unfolded during a period of mounting friction between the DeSantis administration and the Florida House. At the time, Andrade, who chairs the House Health Care Budget Subcommittee, was spearheading an investigation into Hope Florida — a nonprofit initiative championed by First Lady Casey DeSantis. His role in probing the program put him at odds with the administration, which was the focus of his Loomer podcast interview.