CRBC News
Culture
Society
Security
Health
Conflict
Science
Technology
Politics
Environment
Lifestyle
Economy

Investor James Fishback Enters Florida Governor Race, Targets Trump-Backed Byron Donalds

James Fishback, a 30-year-old investor from Florida's Panhandle, announced a Republican primary challenge for governor and immediately targeted Trump-endorsed Rep. Byron Donalds. In his announcement video, Fishback pledged to abolish property taxes, criticized H-1B visas and made immigration a central issue. The video included a close-up of a Confederate monument and a declaration that he would "never apologize for our history," drawing swift criticism and a RINO rebuke from Donalds' campaign.

01:32 AM, 11/25/2025Politics
Investor James Fishback Enters Florida Governor Race, Targets Trump-Backed Byron Donalds

James Fishback, a 30-year-old investor from Florida's rural Panhandle, formally launched a Republican primary campaign Monday to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis. Fishback immediately positioned himself as a challenger to Rep. Byron Donalds, the early frontrunner who has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump.

Campaign message and policy proposals

In his announcement video, Fishback criticized Donalds' congressional record and echoed policy themes associated with DeSantis. He pledged to eliminate property taxes, attacked H-1B visas used by U.S. companies to hire specialized foreign workers, and made immigration a central focus of his campaign.

"Florida is our home, America is our birthright, and we will never let them steal it from us," Fishback said in the video.

Controversy and imagery

Fishback's video included the line, "I'm a proud American who will never apologize for our history," and featured a close-up of a Confederate soldiers' monument in Jackson County, Florida. Critics say the choice of imagery and rhetoric mirrors language used by some politicians that appeals to racial grievance; supporters say he is defending American heritage.

Reaction from rivals

Donalds' campaign quickly dismissed Fishback's bid, leaning on Trump’s endorsement and calling Fishback a "RINO" (Republican in name only). "Byron Donalds will be Florida’s next governor because he is the proven conservative fighter endorsed by President Trump," said Ryan Smith, chief strategist for Donalds' campaign. "Anyone running against him is an anti-Trump RINO and will get crushed in the Republican primary."

The race underscores a broader dynamic in Florida’s Republican politics as candidates vie to define themselves with a base that remains loyal to Trump even as it still responds to DeSantis-style policy proposals.

By Kate Payne

Similar Articles

Trending