TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — The competition for Florida’s highest office has intensified with James Fishback, a Republican contender, officially entering the gubernatorial race. On Monday morning, Fishback, a 30-year-old Florida native, filed his candidacy in Tallahassee, marking the beginning of what promises to be an eventful campaign.
In a press conference held outside the state capitol, Fishback vowed to carry on the legacy of Governor Ron DeSantis, expressing his admiration for the outgoing governor’s leadership over the past eight years. “Let’s continue the incredible eight years of Governor Ron DeSantis,” he stated, signaling a campaign that aligns closely with DeSantis’s policies.
Fishback has laid out a robust platform that includes some bold proposals. He aims to terminate H1-B visas, halt the establishment of AI data centers, intensify immigration deportations, eliminate property taxes, and impose stricter regulations on Airbnb operations. These initiatives reflect his commitment to conservative values and resonate with his pledge to maintain the status quo established by DeSantis.
In the coming months, Fishback plans an ambitious tour to engage with Floridians across all 67 counties, ensuring his message reaches every corner of the state. His campaign’s success will depend on his ability to connect with voters and differentiate himself in a growing field of candidates.
“Blackstone get out of our state, Airbnb get out of our state, Canadian, Chinese, Indian, foreign speculators who want to buy up our homes so Floridians can’t buy them, get out of our state,” Fishback said.
Fishback announced his vision for the road ahead on the steps of the historic state capitol, making one thing clear, he does not support Congressman Byron Donalds.
“Byron Donalds and I could not be more different on the issues that matter for this campaign,” Fishback said.
And as Fishback distances himself from Donalds, he faces a real challenge with catching up to the Trump-backed candidate this late in the game.
“Byron Donalds will be Florida’s next governor because he is the proven conservative fighter endorsed by President Trump. Anyone running against him is an anti-Trump RINO and will get crushed in the Republican primary,” said Ryan Smith, Chief Strategist for the Byron Donalds for Governor Campaign.
So far, all three top GOP candidates have praised DeSantis and his vision, which former House speaker Paul Renner takes pride in as he worked alongside the governor to put forth a great deal of what makes the DeSantis agenda what it is today.
“We went after things and focused on the mission. As a veteran, I focus on the mission. There’s too much ego, there’s too much arrogance, frankly there’s too much politics in politics. I’m in this race because as a veteran, as a father of young children I want to solve problems as governor,” Renner said.
As for current Lt. Governor Jay Collins, he’s taking a slower approach, looking to win over voters trust before making any further moves.
On the other side of the aisle, two top Democrats are also fighting for the seat: former Congressman David Jolly and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demmings.
One thing each of these GOP candidates can agree on is taking a page from the DeSantis agenda, hoping to build off of his record in the state.
As for the governor himself, he’s still silent on who he will endorse to take over the office in 2026.
