James Fishback, a 31-year-old Republican running for Florida governor, asked supporters to fund Tinder Plus so he can message "young female voters" and invite matches to 15 free in-person campaign events. Fishback shared his Tinder profile on X and framed the effort as outreach to women about family and housing policies. His campaign has been marked by several controversies — including inflammatory remarks and allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old, which he denies — prompting criticism of the Tinder outreach plan.
Florida GOP Candidate Asks Donors To Fund Tinder Outreach To 'Young Female Voters'
Facebook/James Fishbank
James Fishback, a 31-year-old Republican running in the Florida gubernatorial primary, asked supporters to donate so he can message "young female voters" on the dating app Tinder. Fishback shared a screenshot of his Tinder profile on X, saying he planned to "share my plan to make it easier for them to get married, buy a home, and raise a family."
The Tinder prompt in his post read: "My hottest take… Florida should offer paid maternity leave to all moms." In a follow-up message, Fishback said he had run out of daily "likes" — the free app's limit on right swipes — and asked followers to help pay for Tinder Plus, a subscription that removes that limit. Tinder Plus typically costs about $5–$10 per month, with discounts for longer plans.
James Fishback shared his Tinder plan to his 204,000 X followers. / X/James Fishback
Fishback told the Daily Beast that when he matches with voters on Tinder he shares his campaign plan and invites them to "15 no-cost, in-person campaign events we're hosting across Florida this February," saying he wants women to know they are "not alone" and that he is serious about building "a state where all women can thrive."
Controversies And Past Allegations
Fishback is a political newcomer but has been a polarizing figure in the GOP primary. His controversies include repeatedly calling Rep. Byron Donalds, who is Black, a "slave" to his political donors and praising Nick Fuentes, a white supremacist and Holocaust denier. Last month, Fishback suggested former CNN anchor Don Lemon should be "hanged in the public square" over Lemon's coverage of an anti-ICE protest, a remark that drew widespread condemnation.
The Trump-endorsed Bryon Donalds is considered the clear frontrunner in the Florida gubernatorial race. / Hannah Beier for the Washington Post via Getty Images
In 2022, a major Florida school district severed ties with Fishback after reports that he had an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old student, NBC News reported. The woman later identified as Keinah Fort sought a protective order last year alleging harassment after their breakup. Fishback has denied those allegations, calling them "completely false," and has said he has "never been arrested, charged, or convicted of any crime."
Political Positions That Drew Attention
Fishback has also proposed several controversial policy ideas. In January he said he would impose a 50% "sin tax" on income earned by OnlyFans creators, a plan critics say would single out sex workers and creators of adult content.
Context: Social media users and political opponents have highlighted the optics of a candidate accused of a past inappropriate relationship seeking to message "young" women online as part of campaign outreach. Critics on both sides noted the potential ethical and reputational risks.
This outreach tactic comes as the GOP primary in Florida heats up, with Fishback running alongside better-known names, including Rep. Byron Donalds, who is backed by former President Donald Trump.
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