The Buffalo News calls it a comeback story. Southwest Florida might see it differently.Chris Collins — the former New York congressman who resigned in disgrace after pleading guilty to insider trading — is back in politics. After serving time in federal prison, Collins moved to Southwest Florida. Now, he’s running to succeed Congressman Byron Donalds in Florida’s 19th Congressional District, which covers Lee and Collier counties.

In an *exclusive* interview with The Buffalo News, Collins spoke candidly about why he’s stepping back into the political arena. “Because I didn’t leave on my terms, and my reputation was trashed,” Collins said. “I want to think, you know, 25 years to go. I’m 75. I’m gonna live to be 100. I don’t want my next 25 years to be as a convicted felon who went to federal prison.”

Collins’ story is well known in Western New York. First elected to Congress in 2012, he represented the Buffalo area’s 27th District and was one of the first sitting members of Congress to endorse Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. But in 2018, federal prosecutors charged him with insider trading, alleging he tipped off his son to sell shares of an Australian biotech company after learning in advance about a failed drug trial.

Faced with mounting legal troubles, Collins resigned from Congress in 2019 and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud and making false statements to the FBI. He was sentenced to 26 months in prison but served only part of that time before receiving a full pardon from President Trump in the final weeks of his presidency.

From Buffalo to the Beaches

After leaving prison, Collins relocated to Southwest Florida. It’s not an unfamiliar move — plenty of former Northeastern politicians have settled here after their careers in colder climates. But unlike most, Collins isn’t just here to enjoy the sunshine. He wants to re-enter Congress — this time representing a district he only recently began calling home.

That has some locals questioning whether this is a genuine redemption bid or an opportunistic play by an outsider. In political terms, Collins is what’s known as a “carpetbagger” — a candidate who moves into a district just to run for office.

Buffalo may view his candidacy as part of a redemption arc. But in Lee and Collier counties, voters might be less sentimental.

The Race to Replace Donalds

The seat Collins is targeting is opening because Rep. Byron Donalds is running for governor in 2026. That’s created a political free-for-all in a deep-red district where the Republican primary is the real battleground.

Several candidates have already jumped in, including local businessman Jim Schwartzel, Johnny Fratto who ran in the previous cycle in a district that stretches from Collier to the Miami area, and former Illinois State Senator Jim Oberweis. Collins’ entry into the race adds another twist — one that’s already getting national attention because of his high-profile past.

Supporters of Collins say his experience in Congress and his early alliance with Trump could help him win over Republican primary voters. Detractors argue that his criminal conviction — pardon or not — makes him a political liability.

Redemption or Risk?

In his Buffalo News interview, Collins positioned his candidacy as a way to clear his name and define his legacy on his own terms. He says he’s healthy, energized, and ready to get back to legislating.

But the political reality in Southwest Florida is different from that in Buffalo. This is Trump country — and while Collins has Trump’s pardon in his pocket, there’s no official endorsement yet. In a crowded Republican primary, every detail matters: residency, reputation, and relationships with local party leaders.

His pitch to voters will likely focus on experience and loyalty to Trump’s America First agenda. His opponents will almost certainly highlight the insider trading conviction, the time in prison, and the fact that he’s new to the district.

What Voters Will Decide

So far, Collins hasn’t released a detailed campaign platform, but his early media strategy suggests he’s embracing his past rather than running from it. By giving an exclusive interview to his hometown paper, he’s leaning into the idea of a second act — a comeback from scandal.

The question for Southwest Florida voters is whether they want to be part of that comeback. Do they see Collins as a seasoned conservative fighter who deserves a shot at redemption? Or as a political transplant using their district to rewrite his legacy?

The Buffalo News may frame this as a homegrown redemption tale. But here in Florida’s 19th District, it’s a different conversation.

Carpetbagger or comeback? Redemption or risky gamble?

Southwest Florida voters will have the final say.