{{Short description|American investor and political candidate (born 1995)}} {{pp-extended|small=yes}} {{Use American English|date=January 2026}}{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2026}} {{Infobox person | name = James Fishback | image = James Fishback at a public speaking event at Ave Maria University-2 (cropped).jpg | caption = Fishback speaking at Ave Maria University, 2026 | birth_name = James Thomas Fishback | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1995|1|1}} | birth_place = Davie, Florida, U.S. | death_date = | death_place = | spouse = {{marriage|Valeria Quimby-Moro|May 23, 2026}} | occupation = {{flatlist| * Politician * businessman}} | political_party = Republican | education = Georgetown University (attended) | website = {{url|fishback2026.com|Campaign website}} | module = {{Listen voice | filename = James Fishback audio sample.mp3 | description = Fishback on the political differences between globalism and nationalism | recorded = November 19, 2024}} }} '''James Thomas Fishback''' (born January 1, 1995) is an American investor and political candidate for the Republican nomination in the 2026 Florida gubernatorial election.<ref>{{cite news|last=McGee|first=Suzanne|title=Trustees Vote to Shutter Two ETFs From Startup Manager Azoria Capital|work=Reuters|date=16 Oct 2025|url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/wealth/trustees-vote-shutter-two-etfs-startup-manager-azoria-capital-2025-10-16/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Pemberton |first=Nathan Taylor |date=2026-03-11 |title=Running on Rage Bait |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/11/style/james-fishback-florida-internet-politics.html |access-date=2026-03-17 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> <!-- AN RFC IS ONGOING RELATED TO THIS SENTENCE; PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE UNTIL IT IS OVER -->
Fishback worked for hedge fund Greenlight Capital from 2021 until 2023.<ref name="HeadofMacro">{{Cite news |title=Einhorn’s Greenlight Slams ‘Head of Macro’ in Fresh Lawsuit |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-06-25/einhorn-s-greenlight-slams-head-of-macro-in-fresh-lawsuit?srnd=markets-vp&embedded-checkout=true |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240626135001/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-06-25/einhorn-s-greenlight-slams-head-of-macro-in-fresh-lawsuit?srnd=markets-vp&embedded-checkout=true|date=2024-06-26 |archive-date=2024-06-26 |access-date=2025-12-12 |work=Bloomberg.com|first=Chris|last=Dolmetsch |language=en}}</ref> He founded Azoria Partners, an investment management firm that later launched an ETF before it was shut down by the company's independent trustees over legal concerns.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McGee |first=Susan |title=Trustees vote to shutter two ETFs from startup manager Azoria Capital |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/wealth/trustees-vote-shutter-two-etfs-startup-manager-azoria-capital-2025-10-16/ |access-date=2025-12-31 |website=Reuters |language=en-US}}</ref> In the summer of 2025, Fishback made attempts to associate himself with President Donald Trump, falsely claiming to have been an advisor at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and later launching an unsuccessful campaign to be nominated to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Steakin |first=Will |last2=Zahn |first2=Max |title=Before challenging Trump's Florida governor pick, James Fishback sought Fed role, investments from Trump world |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/floating-challenge-trumps-florida-governor-pick-james-fishback/story?id=127603333 |access-date=2026-01-05 |website=ABC News |language=en}}</ref> In November 2025, Fishback launched a campaign for the Republican nomination for Florida governor.
Fishback has been involved in various legal disputes. In 2022, the Broward County School District cut ties with him and a debate league he ran following allegations that he sexually groomed an underage girl while running in-person debate tournaments for middle and high school students that she participated in.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |last=Scheckner |first=Jesse |date=2025-12-08 |title=Woman says James Fishback dated her while she was underage, then harassed her after breakup |url=https://www.miamitimesonline.com/news/florida/woman-says-james-fishback-dated-her-while-she-was-underage-then-harassed-her-after-breakup/article_e5e5a623-be06-46d0-b8e0-df37f0daed48.html |access-date=2026-04-04 |website=The Miami Times |language=en |quote=She said in the amended April filing that she joined the nonprofit Fishback founded, Incubate Debate, which runs in-person tournaments for middle and high school students, in 2021, when she was 16. Shortly thereafter, she said he "systematically cultivated a relationship with her" by increasing "opportunities for personal interaction". The petition described his approach as "an isolation tactic commonly employed in grooming scenarios".}}</ref> Fishback denied the allegations and threatened to sue the parents who made them, but later moved in with and was briefly engaged to her after she turned 18.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-12-30 |title=Florida school district cut ties with GOP candidate James Fishback in 2022 over sexual misconduct allegations |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/florida-school-gop-james-fishback-sexual-misconduct-allegations-rcna249963 |access-date=2026-01-01 |website=NBC News |first=Matt|last=Dixon|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Scheckner |first=Jesse |date=2025-12-05 |title=Woman says James Fishback dated her while she was underage, then harassed her after breakup |url=https://floridapolitics.com/archives/768484-woman-says-james-fishback-dated-her-while-she-was-underage-then-harassed-her-after-breakup/ |access-date=2026-01-05 |website=Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government. |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2023, Fishback initiated a dispute with his former employer, Greenlight Capital, regarding his job title; the dispute culminated in Fishback's 2025 admission that he had illicitly shared and used confidential Greenlight information.<ref name="bloomberg2">{{cite web |last=Dolmetsch |first=Chris |date=September 26, 2025 |title=Fishback Admits Sharing Confidential Greenlight Information |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-26/fishback-admits-sharing-portfolio-data-from-einhorn-s-greenlight |access-date=September 29, 2025 |work=Bloomberg}}</ref>
== Early life == James Fishback was born on January 1, 1995, in Davie, Florida.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-24 |title=Who is James Fishback? DOGE dividend creator runs for Florida governor |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/james-fishback-doge-dividend-creator-204826065.html |access-date=2025-12-12 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=James Thomas Fishback, Age 30, Davie, Florida 33325 - floridavoterdirectory.com |url=https://www.floridavoterdirectory.com/person/120357844/james-thomas-fishback |access-date=2025-12-12 |website=Florida Voter Directory |language=en}}</ref> His mother is an immigrant from Colombia, and his father owned a landscaping business before becoming a bus driver. Fishback attributes the failure of his father's business to the arrival of Haitian migrants under temporary protected status following the 2010 earthquake.<ref name="AmBazaar">{{Cite web |last=Chowdhury |first=Shubhangi |date=2025-12-01 |title=Florida governor candidate James Fishback vows: ‘I’ll Fire every H-1B worker’ |url=https://americanbazaaronline.com/2025/12/01/florida-governor-candidate-james-fishback-vows-ill-fire-every-h-1b-worker-470820/ |access-date=2026-01-11 |website=The American Bazaar |language=en-US}}</ref>
Growing up, Fishback spent his summers in Colombia.<ref name="Heddles" /> Fishback has claimed Arkansas governor William Meade Fishback as his ancestor.<ref>{{cite news|last=Clerkin|first=Ben|url=https://spectator.com/article/james-fishback-zohran-mamdani-florida-governor/?edition=us|title=Is James Fishback the right’s answer to Zohran Mamdani?|work=Spectator|date=February 2026}}</ref> He graduated from the majority-Black Boyd H. Anderson High School<ref name="Heddles">{{cite news |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260123075348/https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/01/21/who-is-james-fishback-republican-governor-candidate-2026-desantis/ |archive-date=January 23, 2026 |last1=Heddles |first1=Claire |last2=Shanley |first2=Garrett |title=Who is James Fishback, the Republican political newcomer running for Florida governor? |url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/01/21/who-is-james-fishback-republican-governor-candidate-2026-desantis/ |access-date=5 March 2026 |work=Tampa Bay Times |date=January 22, 2026}}</ref> and participated in his high school's debate team.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Fishback |first=James |title=At High School Debates, Debate Is No Longer Allowed |url=https://www.thefp.com/p/judges-ruin-high-school-debate-tournaments |access-date=2026-01-05 |website=www.thefp.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Harper |first=Mark |title=Here's who's running for governor of Florida in 2026 |url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2025/11/24/james-fishback-eyes-2026-florida-governor-race/87393507007/ |access-date=2025-12-21 |website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="WhoIs">{{Cite web |last=Bridges |first=C. A. |title=Who is James Fishback? DOGE dividend creator runs for Florida governor |url=https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/politics/elections/2025/11/24/james-fishback-florida-governor/87444566007/ |access-date=2025-12-12 |website=Tallahassee Democrat |language=en-US}}</ref> Fishback enrolled at Georgetown University to study international economics, but dropped out after sophomore year to pursue a career in finance.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-20 |title=Who is James Fishback? Investor who created DOGE stimulus check plan |url=https://www.newsweek.com/james-fishback-investorwho-created-doge-stimulus-check-plan-2034116 |access-date=2025-12-12 |website=Newsweek|first=Claire|last=Dickey|language=en}}</ref>
== Business career == In 2019, Fishback founded Incubate Debate, a debate league that provides tournaments and training for middle and high school students.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2025-11-24 |title=Republican investor James Fishback announces run for Florida governor |url=https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/local/james-fishback-governor-campaign-florida/77-fb820ba5-d76f-47c4-902b-3a5be7a8c582 |access-date=2025-12-12 |website=firstcoastnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Friday Feature: Incubate Debate |url=https://www.cato.org/blog/friday-feature-incubate-debate? |access-date=2025-12-12 |website=www.cato.org}}</ref> Fishback stated that he formed Incubate Debate due to frustration with ideological biases held by National Speech and Debate Association judges.<ref name=":1" /> Incubate Debate was acquired by the Bill of Rights Institute in 2024,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bill of Rights Institute Company Overview, Contact Details & Competitors {{!}} LeadIQ |url=https://leadiq.com/c/bill-of-rights-institute/5a1da7da2300005a009b8591 |access-date=2026-01-16 |website=leadiq.com |language=en}}</ref> but control of the organization later reverted to Fishback, who stated that the acquisition was "dissolved".<ref name=":2" />
Fishback joined the hedge fund Greenlight Capital in 2021.<ref name="SharingPortfolio">{{Cite web |date=2025-09-27 |title=Fishback Admits Sharing Portfolio Data From Einhorn’s Greenlight {{!}} Company Business News |url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/company-results/fishback-admits-sharing-portfolio-data-from-einhorn-s-greenlight-11758912891988.html |access-date=2025-12-12 |website=mint |language=en}}</ref> Fishback was employed by Greenlight Capital as a research analyst until 2023; Greenlight stated Fishback resigned ahead of a planned termination for low productivity.<ref name="HeadofMacro">{{Cite news |title=Einhorn’s Greenlight Slams ‘Head of Macro’ in Fresh Lawsuit |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-06-25/einhorn-s-greenlight-slams-head-of-macro-in-fresh-lawsuit?srnd=markets-vp&embedded-checkout=true |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240626135001/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-06-25/einhorn-s-greenlight-slams-head-of-macro-in-fresh-lawsuit?srnd=markets-vp&embedded-checkout=true|date=2024-06-26 |archive-date=2024-06-26 |access-date=2025-12-12 |work=Bloomberg.com|first=Chris|last=Dolmetsch |language=en}}</ref> Fishback claimed that he resigned after being subjected to anti-Christian discrimination.<ref name=":13" />
Fishback wrote for ''The Free Press'' during 2023 and 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Weiss |first=Bari |date=2024-05-16 |title=James Fishback |url=https://www.thefp.com/w/james-fishback |access-date=2026-03-12 |website=The Free Press |language=en}}</ref>
In 2023, Fishback founded Azoria Partners, an investment management firm focused on global macro strategies.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zizo |first=Christie |date=2025-11-24 |title=Right-wing personality James Fishback announces Florida governor campaign |url=https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2025/11/24/right-wing-personality-james-fishback-announces-florida-governor-campaign/ |access-date=2025-12-13 |website=WKMG |language=en}}</ref> In June 2025, Azoria launched the Azoria{{nbsp}}500 Meritocracy{{nbsp}}ETF, which tracks the S&P{{nbsp}}500 but excludes companies with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.<ref name="WhoIs"/><ref>{{Cite web |last=Guynn |first=Jessica |title=This anti-'woke' investor is fighting DEI in the S&P 500. His first target: Starbucks |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2024/12/05/anti-dei-investment-fund-trump/76767797007/ |access-date=2025-12-13 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=New anti-woke ETF takes aim at Starbucks |url=https://www.investmentnews.com/etfs/new-anti-woke-etf-takes-aim-at-starbucks/258494|date=2024-12-05 |access-date=2025-12-13 |website=InvestmentNews|first=Leo|last=Almazora |language=en}}</ref> The Meritocracy{{nbsp}}ETF, along with another ETF run by Fishback, was shut down in October by Azoria's independent trustees. The board stated that it made the decision after considering factors including "recent litigation involving a principal of" Azoria. Fishback alleged that the liquidations were motivated by anti-conservative bias.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McGee |first=Susan |title=Trustees vote to shutter two ETFs from startup manager Azoria Capital |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/wealth/trustees-vote-shutter-two-etfs-startup-manager-azoria-capital-2025-10-16/ |access-date=2025-12-31 |website=Reuters |language=en-US}}</ref> In an April 2026 hearing, Fishback stated that he was "no longer involved" in Azoria Capital, having left the company that January.<ref name=":17">{{Cite web |last=Mower |first=Lawrence |date=3 April 2026 |title=Florida GOP candidate’s money woes on display in federal court |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article315274733.html |website=Miami Herald}}</ref>
In February 2025, Fishback proposed the "DOGE{{nbsp}}Dividend", a plan to return 20% of savings from the federal Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) directly to taxpayers.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Don't expect a $5,000 check from DOGE |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/doge-dividend-congress-elon-musk-checks-james-fishback-interview-2025-2 |access-date=2025-12-13 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}</ref> He did a media tour where he claimed he worked for DOGE until the summer of 2025, but senior DOGE officials from before, during and after the period say Fishback never held any official or informal role with the group and that he was fabricating his association with them. After Fishback claimed to have been a DOGE advisor in a post on the social media platform X, a spokesperson for DOGE head Elon Musk responded saying it was not true.<ref name=":18">{{Cite web |last=Steakin |first=Will |last2=Zahn |first2=Max |title=Before challenging Trump's Florida governor pick, James Fishback sought Fed role, investments from Trump world |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/floating-challenge-trumps-florida-governor-pick-james-fishback/story?id=127603333 |access-date=2026-01-05 |website=ABC News |language=en}}</ref>
In July 2025, Azoria unsuccessfully sued to make the Federal Open Market Committee's July{{nbsp}}29 meeting public. In August 2025, Fishback contacted President Donald Trump and several of his advisors in an attempt to secure the seat on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors vacated by Adriana Kugler. He visited the Federal Reserve's market symposium in Jackson Hole on August{{nbsp}}22, where he repeatedly yelled at member Lisa Cook. After a Florida-based social media account posted an unattributed claim on X that Fishback was being considered for the seat, speculation sparked online and on cable news networks that he was a serious contender. However, the Trump administration concluded that Fishback had fabricated the entire news cycle. Fishback was never considered for the role, and Trump instead named Stephen Miran to the position in September.<ref name="bloomberg2" /><ref name=":18" />
== 2026 Florida gubernatorial campaign == thumb|right|Fishback in February 2026 On November{{nbsp}}24, 2025, Fishback announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination in the 2026 Florida gubernatorial election.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |date=2025-11-24 |title=GOP investor James Fishback is entering the Florida governor's race, challenging Trump's pick |url=https://apnews.com/article/fishback-donalds-trump-desantis-florida-governor-ee2cd82514038074fb6e836352503ed7 |access-date=2025-12-12 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref>
Fishback has been described as a strong supporter of Florida governor Ron DeSantis, who has not yet endorsed anyone,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-13 |title=James Fishback roils the Florida governor's race with his expected pro-Ron DeSantis bid |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/james-fishback-florida-governors-race-ron-desantis-bid-rcna243376 |access-date=2026-03-28 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref> and has praised his "historical record" while in office.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hazard |first=Charlotte |date=2025-11-24 |title=Pro-DeSantis investor Fishback announces bid for governor of Florida |url=https://wlos.com/news/nation-world/pro-desantis-investor-fishback-announces-bid-for-governor-of-florida-ron-desantis-byron-donalds-blackstone-h-1b |access-date=2025-12-12 |website=WLOS |language=en}}</ref><ref name="GreenlightCap" /> On January 18, Fishback publicly split with DeSantis advisor Christina Pushaw, who had been informally advising his campaign.{{Why|date=March 2026}}<ref name="Heddles" />
During his campaign, Fishback defended supporters of far-right political commentator Nick Fuentes, saying, "I've found the audience of young men who follow and watch Nick Fuentes to be actually incredibly informed and insightful and very patriotic." These comments drew criticism from political opponents and advocacy groups.<ref name=":82">{{Cite web |date=2025-12-13 |title=Despite denials, top Ron DeSantis aides have ties to a controversial GOP candidate for Florida governor |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/ron-desantis-aides-ties-james-fishback-gop-candidate-florid-rcna248880 |access-date=2025-12-14 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref> Some commentators, including writers for ''The Nation'',<ref name=":8">{{cite web |title=Tucker Carlson’s Florida Playbook |url=https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/tucker-carlson-james-fishback-florida/ |website=The Nation |access-date=2026-02-17}}</ref> have described Fishback as a "Groyper",<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":72">{{Cite web |last=Ogles |first=Jacob |date=2025-11-04 |title=Amid 2026 campaign chatter, Jay Collins meets with Israel critic, anti-immigrant activist James Fishback |url=https://floridapolitics.com/archives/763879-amid-governor-chatter-jay-collins-meets-with-anti-immigrant-contender-james-fishback/ |access-date=2025-12-21 |website=Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government. |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>https://www.vox.com/podcasts/483040/james-fishback-florida-governor-groyper-fuentes-racist-antisemitic</ref> an association he has both disputed and embraced. Fuentes has expressed support for his candidacy but stopped short of endorsing him, saying it could hurt Fishback's bid for Governor.<ref name=":9" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Mantalya |first1=Kyle |title=Florida GOP Gubernatorial Candidate James Fishback Praises Nick Fuentes And His Followers |url=https://www.peoplefor.org/rightwingwatch/florida-gop-gubernatorial-candidate-james-fishback-praises-nick-fuentes-and-his |website=People For}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Adler |first=Dan |date=2026-03-11 |title=James Fishback Has Seized the Gen Z Right. Now He Thinks He Can Win Florida. |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/james-fishback-florida-gen-z-online-right |access-date=2026-03-12 |website=Vanity Fair |language=en-US}}</ref> On January 9, 2026, Fishback appeared on Tucker Carlson's podcast, where Carlson endorsed him.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last=Lorber |first=Ben |date=2026-01-13 |title=Tucker Carlson Platforms Another Groyper—Only This One Is Running for Florida Governor |url=https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/tucker-carlson-james-fishback-florida/|work=The Nation |access-date=2026-01-13 |language=en-US |issn=0027-8378}}</ref>
As of January{{nbsp}}14, 2026, the Fishback campaign reported that it had raised $19,000, significantly less than other contenders in the race.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gancarski |first=A. G. |date=2026-01-14 |title=Take 2: James Fishback files another finance report, but the fundraising isn’t much better |url=https://floridapolitics.com/archives/773878-take-2-james-fishback-files-another-finance-report-but-the-fundraising-isnt-much-better/ |access-date=2026-02-23 |website=Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government. |language=en-US}}</ref> By April 2026, this amount had increased to over $295,000.<ref>{{cite news|last=Gancarski|first=A.G.|url=https://floridapolitics.com/archives/790153-fishback-fundraising-flounders/|title=James Fishback’s fundraising continues to flounder; campaign has less than $28K left in bank|work=Florida Politics|date=11 April 2026}}</ref>
=== Eligibility === As late as August 2025, Fishback claimed a homestead exemption in Washington, DC, identifying it as his primary domicile,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kopylov |first=Frank |date=2026-02-17 |title=Florida gubernatorial hopeful James Fishback faces eligibility questions over D.C. Homestead claim |url=https://flvoicenews.com/florida-gubernatorial-hopeful-james-fishback-faces-eligibility-questions-over-d-c-homestead-claim/ |access-date=2026-02-21 |website=Florida’s Voice |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kopylov |first=Frank |date=2026-02-17 |title=Florida gubernatorial hopeful James Fishback faces eligibility questions over D.C. Homestead claim |url=https://flvoicenews.com/florida-gubernatorial-hopeful-james-fishback-faces-eligibility-questions-over-d-c-homestead-claim/ |access-date=2026-04-15 |website=Florida’s Voice |language=en-US}}</ref> which would make him ineligible to run for governor in Florida, which requires gubernatorial candidates to live and be registered to vote in the state for at least seven years prior to running. The ''Orlando Sentinel'' found that he requested absentee ballots for DC as late as 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schweers |first=Jeffrey |date=2026-04-13 |title=Tax, voting records raise doubts whether James Fishback may run for Florida governor |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/tax-voting-records-raise-doubts-211500041.html |access-date=2026-04-14 |website=Yahoo News |publisher=Orlando Sentinel |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Political views == Fishback's views have been characterized by media as white supremacist,<ref name=":10" /><ref name=":16" /> nativist,<ref name="NYT">{{cite web |last1=Pemberton |first1=Nathan Taylor |title=Running on Rage Bait |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/11/style/james-fishback-florida-internet-politics.html?searchResultPosition=1 |website=The New York Times |access-date=24 March 2026 |date=11 March 2026}}</ref> and Christian nationalist.<ref name="The Nation"/> He has been described as the first "Groyper" political candidate, and his statements and views have been seen as supportive of political commentator Nick Fuentes and his followers.<ref name="The Nation" /><ref name="NYT" /> His campaign has been described as provocative and deploying "rage bait" tactics to gain popular attention with a large online presence.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pemberton |first1=Nathan Taylor |title=Running on Rage Bait |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/11/style/james-fishback-florida-internet-politics.html?searchResultPosition=1 |website=The New York Times |access-date=24 March 2026 |date=11 March 2026}}</ref><ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Bryan |first=Miles |date=2026-03-19 |title=The rage-bait candidate who wants to govern Florida |url=https://www.vox.com/podcasts/483040/james-fishback-florida-governor-groyper-fuentes-racist-antisemitic |access-date=2026-03-22 |website=Vox |language=en-US}}</ref>
Fishback's views have been condemned as hateful and racist by both Republican and Democratic opponents as well as other organizations during the 2026 gubernatorial campaign.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-12 |title=David Jolly (D) condemns fellow Florida governor candidate James Fishback (R) for 'racial slurs' |url=https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/politics/florida-governor-candidate-david-jolly-condemns-james-fishback-racial-slurs/77-aa6c3029-ea7a-4990-8323-e986ec9b9ad3 |access-date=2026-01-13 |website=firstcoastnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Van Sickler |first=Michael |title=Tucker Carlson likes him. So does Nick Fuentes. But can he beat Byron Donalds? |url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/02/17/james-fishback-governor-2026-campaign-donalds/ |access-date=2026-03-15 |website=Tampa Bay Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Addvensky|first=Michael|date=2026-01-12|title=Donalds Responds To Shocking Attack By Florida GOP Gubernatorial Opponent: 'Racism Has No Place In The Republican Party'|url=https://radio.foxnews.com/2026/01/12/donalds-responds-to-shocking-attack-by-florida-gop-gubernatorial-opponent-racism-has-no-place-in-the-republican-party/|access-date=2026-01-13|website=FOX News Radio|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="goyslop">{{cite web|last=Lapin|first=Andrew|url= https://forward.com/fast-forward/804286/floridas-anti-israel-gop-candidate-james-fishback-is-railing-against-goyslop-what-is-he-talking-about/|title=Florida's anti-Israel GOP candidate James Fishback is railing against 'goyslop.' What is he talking about?|work=Forward|date=11 February 2026}}</ref>
=== Civil and social views === Fishback supports a complete ban on abortion, including in cases of rape and incest.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-12-21 |title=A conversation with controversial gubernatorial candidate James Fishback - CBS Miami |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/a-conversation-with-controversial-gubernatorial-candidate-james-fishback-facing-south-florida/ |access-date=2025-12-21 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Fishback supports a ban on surrogacy.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=2051796882549092670|title=Yes. As Florida Governor, I will ban surrogacy in Florida.|user=J_Fishback|author=Fishback, James}}</ref> He opposes same-sex marriage and supports banning same-sex marriage in Florida if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns ''Obergefell v. Hodges''.<ref>https://x.com/j_fishback/status/2026319171819094285?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet</ref> He expresses belief in the white genocide and Great Replacement conspiracy theories.<ref name=":9" /><ref name="AmBazaar" /><ref name=":4" /> Fishback has been described as espousing white nationalist talking points, appealing to Christian nationalists,<ref name=":4" /> "flirting with white nationalist subcultures"<ref>{{cite news |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260306161632/https://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/article314404543.html |archive-date=March 6, 2026 |last1=Mancuso |first1=Mary Ann |title=Florida Republicans, it’s past time to call out white nationalism |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/article314404543.html |access-date=6 March 2026 |work=Miami Herald |date=January 22, 2026}}</ref> and promoting white nationalist ideas.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Heddles |first1=Claire |last2=Shanley |first2=Garrett |title=James Fishback pushes white nationalism into Florida GOP’s race for governor |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article314389416.html |access-date=6 March 2026 |work=Miami Herald |date=January 20, 2026}}</ref> He has called gun waiting periods "unconstitutional".<ref>{{cite tweet|number=2001102873405317563|title=Waiting periods to purchase firearms are unconstitutional. As Florida Governor, I’ll end any law that violates the Second Amendment.|user=J_Fishback|author=Fishback, James}}</ref> He has proposed a 50% sin tax on income produced by OnlyFans content creators to support crisis pregnancy centers, mental-health initiatives and education systems.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/nexstar_media_wire/5691927-florida-governor-candidate-sin-tax/|title=Florida Republican candidate suggests ‘sin tax’ for OnlyFans creators|work=The Hill|first1=Alaina|last1=Papazian|first2=Russell|last2=Falcon|date=15 January 2026|access-date=19 January 2026}}</ref> He said that OnlyFans exploits women.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-09 |title=Florida gubernatorial candidate who proposed 50% "sin" tax on OnlyFans creators says he was victim of arson - CBS Miami |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/james-fishback-florida-governor-race-arson-attack/ |access-date=2026-03-28 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
On January 30, after journalist Don Lemon was arrested for covering an anti-ICE protest inside a Saint Paul church, Fishback wrote that "Don Lemon is lucky he's not getting hanged in the public square for ransacking a church."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Niani |date=2026-02-02 |title=GOP Candidate Says Don Lemon Is Lucky He's 'Not Getting Hanged' |url=https://www.wbls.com/news/gop-candidate-says-don-lemon-is-lucky-hes-not-getting-hanged/ |access-date=2026-02-05 |website=WBLS |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Racial comments === According to Vox, Fishback is a white supremacist who "espouses openly racist and antisemitic views" and has close ties to individuals in the Groyper movement.<ref name=":10" /> ''The Verge'' considers Fishback to be a "white supremacist candidate".<ref name=":16">{{Cite web |last=Nguyen |first=Tina |date=2026-03-11 |title=The mysterious case of the DHS white supremacist memelord |url=https://www.theverge.com/column/892985/dhs-white-supremacist-memelord |access-date=2026-04-05 |website=The Verge |language=en-US}}</ref> His comments have been described by media organizations and politicians across the political spectrum as racist.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-12 |title=David Jolly (D) condemns fellow Florida governor candidate James Fishback (R) for 'racial slurs' |url=https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/politics/florida-governor-candidate-david-jolly-condemns-james-fishback-racial-slurs/77-aa6c3029-ea7a-4990-8323-e986ec9b9ad3 |access-date=2026-01-13 |website=firstcoastnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Van Sickler |first=Michael |title=Tucker Carlson likes him. So does Nick Fuentes. But can he beat Byron Donalds? |url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/02/17/james-fishback-governor-2026-campaign-donalds/ |access-date=2026-03-15 |website=Tampa Bay Times |language=en}}</ref>
Fishback is challenging frontrunner Byron Donalds, a U.S.{{nbsp}}representative endorsed by President Trump. In his announcement video, Fishback criticized Donalds's record in Congress, and later attacked Donalds for his ties to "corporate interests", calling him a "slave".<ref name="HeadofMacro" /><ref name="SharingPortfolio" /><ref name=":02" /> On January 12, he referred to Donalds as "By'rone" and accused him of wanting to "turn Florida into a Section 8 ghetto".<ref>https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/section-8-ghetto-attack-republican-155735040.html</ref> According to ''The American Conservative'', Fishback denied these claims, saying "I’m going to fight for you with equal vigor, whether you’re black or you’re white, straight or gay, Christian, Muslim or a Jew".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stallings |first=Mason Letteau |date=2026-03-16 |title=Is James Fishback the William F. Buckley of Florida? |url=https://www.theamericanconservative.com/is-james-fishback-the-william-f-buckley-of-florida/ |access-date=2026-03-28 |website=The American Conservative |language=en-US}}</ref> Fishback later posted a video on social media platform X of himself shooting an assault rifle at a shooting range, with the caption, "Pull up, Byron Donalds. Let's see if you're really black".<ref name="nyt-ntp-mar-26">{{cite news |last1=Pemberton |first1=Nathan Taylor |title=Running on Rage Bait |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/11/style/james-fishback-florida-internet-politics.html |work=The New York Times |date=March 11, 2026}}</ref>
While advocating against junk food in school cafeterias, Fishback called it "goyslop", an antisemitic term used to claim that Jews control the fast-food industry with the purpose of making non-Jews unhealthy.<ref name="goyslop" /><ref name=":5" /> When asked about why he had used the term, Fishback replied, "Because it’s funny. Get a life."<ref>{{cite news|last=Lapin|first=Andrew|url=https://forward.com/fast-forward/810634/ihop-denies-inviting-florida-gop-candidate-who-said-americans-shouldnt-die-for-israel/|title=IHOP denies inviting Florida GOP candidate who said ‘Americans shouldn’t die for Israel’|work=Forward|date=8 March 2026}}</ref>
During a campaign stop on April 3, 2026, Fishback told a black man that he "should be lynched" after the man asked about Fishback's alleged relationship with an underage girl.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Koplowitz |first=Howard |date=2026-04-03 |title=‘You should be lynched’: Florida GOP governor candidate faces backlash over slur to Black voter |url=https://www.al.com/politics/2026/04/you-should-be-lynched-florida-gop-governor-candidate-faces-backlash-over-slur-to-black-voter.html |access-date=2026-04-04 |website=al |language=en}}</ref>
=== Crime === Fishback has stated that capital punishment should be used as sparingly as possible, and reserved only "for the most heinous crimes committed in our state".<ref>{{cite news|last=Ellenbogen|first=Romy|url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/03/31/florida-death-penalty-desantis-2026-candidates-execution-policy/|title=What do Florida’s 2026 governor candidates think of the death penalty?|work=Tampa Bay Times|date=31 March 2026}}</ref>
He has called for the public execution of the co-conspirators of Jeffrey Epstein.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pemberton |first=Nathan Taylor |date=2026-03-11 |title=Running on Rage Bait |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/11/style/james-fishback-florida-internet-politics.html |access-date=2026-03-25 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> He has pledged to appoint a special prosecutor and reopen state investigations into the Epstein files.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=2031872751401640229|title=On day 1 as Governor, I will appoint a special prosecutor to re-open the Epstein Files if elected. I don’t care if you’re a Republican or a Democrat. Anyone implicated in the files will be BROUGHT TO JUSTICE.|author=Fishback, James|user=j_fishback}}</ref>
===Drug policy=== Fishback opposes the legalization of recreational cannabis, while supporting medical cannabis.<ref>{{cite news|last=Perry|first=Mitch|url=https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/05/06/most-major-fl-gubernatorial-candidates-say-state-should-never-legalize-recreational-marijuana/|title=Most major FL gubernatorial candidates say state should never legalize recreational marijuana|work=Florida Phoenix|date=6 May 2026}}</ref>
=== Economics === Fishback has been characterized as an economic populist.<ref name="The Nation">{{cite web |last1=Lorber |first1=Ben |title=Tucker Carlson Platforms Another Groyper—Only This One Is Running for Florida Governor |url=https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/tucker-carlson-james-fishback-florida/ |access-date=24 March 2026 |date=13 January 2026}}</ref> On homelessness, he has proposed using state resources, including the Florida National Guard, to remove homeless encampments and relocate individuals into facilities where he says they would receive treatment and services.<ref name=":62">{{Cite web |last=Elias |first=Dave |date=2025-12-18 |title=James Fishback calls Byron Donalds 'slave to donors' |url=https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/byron-donalds-fishback-comments-florida-gov-race/69812347 |access-date=2025-12-21 |website=WBBH |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> Fishback supports eliminating property taxes on homestead properties.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Saunders |first=Forrest |date=2025-11-24 |title=James Fishback launches run for Florida governor, calls Byron Donalds “a slave” to donors |url=https://www.wptv.com/news/politics/james-fishback-launches-2026-bid-to-become-floridas-next-governor |access-date=2025-12-21 |website=WPTV News Channel 5 West Palm |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":62" /> He supports banning investment firms, such as BlackRock, from purchasing single-family homes.<ref name=":9" /> Fishback additionally supports levying a $50,000 tax on out-of-state buyers trying to purchase a home in Florida.<ref name="Tinder" /> He has stated that his focus on affordability has been inspired by the campaign of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, although he disagrees with Mamdani's proposed solutions to the affordability crisis.<ref name=":82" /><ref name=":9" /> He supports paid maternity leave,<ref name="Tinder">{{cite news|last=Talcott|first=Anthony|url=https://www.clickorlando.com/news/florida/2026/02/04/florida-governor-candidate-joins-tinder-to-meet-young-female-voters/|title=Florida governor candidate joins Tinder to ‘meet young female voters’|work=Click Orlando|date=4 February 2025}}</ref> stating "How can we be pro-life...[if] we’re not going to help cover the cost of childbirth?...[or] make sure that her employer gives her paid maternity leave?"<ref name="Flock"/>
=== Education === Fishback supports raising the pay of public school teachers by 25%.<ref name="Tampa">{{cite news|last=Van Sickler|first=Michael|url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/02/17/james-fishback-governor-2026-campaign-donalds/|title=Tucker Carlson likes him. So does Nick Fuentes. But can he beat Byron Donalds?|work=Tampa Bay Times|date=17 February 2026}}</ref> He supports requiring school uniforms in Florida's public schools, while providing families with a $250 per child stipend to purchase them.<ref name="Tinder" /> Fishback hopes to end the presence of international students at Florida public universities by instituting $1{{nbsp}}million tuition fees for foreign students.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Orusa |first=Ebiere |date=2026-01-14 |title=Republican candidate for governor seeks to hike foreign students' tuition and end H-1B visas in Florida |url=https://panthernow.com/2026/01/14/republican-candidate-for-governor-seeks-to-hike-foreign-students-tuition-and-end-h-1b-visas-in-florida/ |access-date=2026-02-20 |website=PantherNOW |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Environment === Fishback opposes the construction of AI data centers in Florida, arguing they would increase energy costs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Streb |first=Audrey |date=2025-12-08 |title=Florida Republicans Protest Data Centers Despite Trump Admin Push |url=https://www.aol.com/news/florida-republicans-protest-data-centers-201628528.html |access-date=2025-12-21}}</ref> He holds conservationist views on the environment, and has pledged to preserve more park space.<ref name="Tampa" /> Fishback has stated that he supports further restoration of the Everglades, conserving state parks, and cleaning waterways.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hall|first=Hill|title=Investor James Fishback Announces Bid for Governor of Florida with Pledge to End Property Taxes|url=https://wrenews.com/investor-james-fishback-announces-bid-for-governor-of-florida-with-pledge-to-end-property-taxes/|work=WRE News|date=24 November 2025}}</ref>
=== Foreign policy === Fishback has pledged to refuse campaign donations from organizations affiliated with foreign countries, specifically naming the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Perry |first=Mitch |date=2025-12-03 |title=GOP gubernatorial candidate James Fishback campaigns on the message that 'Florida is our home' • Florida Phoenix |url=https://floridaphoenix.com/2025/12/03/gop-gubernatorial-candidate-james-fishback-campaigns-on-the-message-that-florida-is-our-home/ |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=Florida Phoenix |language=en-US}}</ref> He has condemned both the October 7 attacks<ref name="Berger">{{cite news|last=Berger|first=Harrison|url=https://www.theamericanconservative.com/james-fishback-america-is-full/|title=James Fishback: America Is Full|work=The American Conservative|date=11 January 2026}}</ref> and Israel's handling of the Gaza war,<ref name=":72" /> labeling Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu an "immoral war criminal".<ref>{{cite news|last=Moraa|first=Daisy|url=https://thekenyatimes.com/latest-kenya-times-news/how-us-wired-385-million-to-israel/|title=How US Wired $385 Million to Israel|work=Kenya Times|date=10 February 2026}}</ref> Fishback has stated that he previously supported Israel but changed his views after witnessing bombings on the Holy Family Church and the Gaza genocide.<ref name="Berger" /> He has pledged to direct all Florida government entities to divest from Israel Bonds if elected, and reinvest the funds into statewide housing assistance.<ref name="Bond">{{cite news|title=Florida Gubernatorial Candidate Vows to Divest From Israel Bonds if Elected|url=https://jewishpostandnews.ca/uncategorized/florida-gubernatorial-candidate-vows-to-divest-from-israel-bonds-if-elected/|work=Jewish Post|date=December 2025}}</ref> He has also criticized politicians for visiting Israel and kissing the "stupid" Western Wall.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=2026-02-16 |title=Florida’s anti-Israel GOP candidate James Fishback is railing against ‘goyslop.’ What is he talking about? |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/02/16/floridas-anti-israel-gop-candidate-james-fishback-is-railing-against-goyslop-what-is-he-talking-about/ |access-date=2026-02-26 |website=Sun Sentinel |language=en-US}}</ref>
He is opposed to U.S. involvement in the 2026 Iran War.<ref>{{cite news|last=Goldberg|first=Michelle|title=I Went to Florida to See the 31-Year-Old Candidate Thrilling Gen Z. We’re in Trouble.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/12/opinion/james-fishback-gen-z-republican-florida.html|work=The New York Times|date=12 March 2026}}</ref>
=== Immigration === Fishback has campaigned to abolish the H-1B visa program and pledged to fire state government employees working under it.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-12-02 |title='I’ll fire every H-1B working at…’: Florida governor hopeful vows crackdown on visa holders |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/us/ill-fire-every-h-1b-working-at-florida-governor-hopeful-vows-crackdown-on-visa-holders-101764686503793.html |access-date=2025-12-21 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-12-04 |title=‘I’ll fire every H-1B worker’: Florida governor hopeful pledges to incentivise firms to hire Americans |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/investing-abroad-ll-fire-every-h-1b-worker-florida-governor-hopeful-pledges-to-incentivise-firms-to-hire-americans-4060491/ |access-date=2025-12-21 |website=The Financial Express |language=en}}</ref> He supports levying a $200,000 annual fine per worker on companies who hire H-1B visa employees.<ref>{{cite news|last=Dhawan|first=Sunil|title=No H-1B workers in State contracts, $200,000 annual ‘fine’ — Florida candidate’s bold plan to end foreign worker program|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/immigration/florida-candidate-vows-to-double-h-1b-fines-to-200000-and-ban-foreign-workers-from-state-contracts/4231585/|work=Financial Express|date=5 May 2026}}</ref> He is against immigration to the United States, and has stated that he supports a "complete immigration moratorium".<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=2025-10-29 |title=Elon Musk’s former aide says US firms are using H-1B visas to “import Indians” |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/latest-updates/elon-musks-former-aide-says-us-firms-are-using-h-1b-visas-to-import-indians/articleshow/124892335.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2025-12-21 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>
=== Public transportation === Fishback supports reopening the Florida portion of Amtrak's Sunset Limited route, halted after Hurricane Katrina. He made a social media post promising to "make the trains run on time", a phrase associated with praise for Benito Mussolini.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=A. O. L. |date=2025-12-15 |title=James Fishback Invokes Benito Mussolini In New Campaign Ad |url=https://www.aol.com/articles/james-fishback-invokes-benito-mussolini-225414455.html |access-date=2025-12-29 |website=www.aol.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Surveillance === Fishback has pledged to ban Flock surveillance cameras<ref name="Flock">{{cite news|last=Schueler|first=McKenna|url=https://www.orlandoweekly.com/news/orlando-area-news/james-fishback-draws-hundreds-to-late-night-campaign-rally-at-orlando-taco-bell/|title=James Fishback draws hundreds to late-night campaign rally at Orlando Taco Bell|work=Orlando Weekly|date=31 March 2016}}</ref> and state government contracts with Palantir,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://nationaltoday.com/us/fl/miami/news/2026/02/21/republican-candidate-threatens-to-ban-palantir-from-florida-contracts/|title=Republican Candidate Threatens to Ban Palantir from Florida Contracts|work=National Today|date=21 February 2026}}</ref> if elected.
== Legal issues == === Sexual grooming allegation === In 2022, the Broward County School District cut ties with Fishback and his organization, Incubate Debate, following allegations that he sexually groomed a 16-year-old girl employed by Incubate Debate. Fishback was 27 at the time.<ref name=":15" /> The allegations led to the resignation of an Incubate Debate board member. Fishback threatened the parents who made the allegation with legal action.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Elias |first1=Dave |title=Candidate for Florida governor denies accusation of an inappropriate relationship with teen |url=https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/james-fishback-florida-governor-race-allegations/69678179 |website=Gulf Coast News and Weather}}</ref> Fishback and the employee moved in together in spring 2023, after she turned 18, and were briefly engaged in 2024 before publicly breaking up. Fishback has denied any inappropriate contact prior to the employee's reaching the age of consent, a denial which she disputes. A judge rejected her January 2025 request for a restraining order against Fishback for alleged harassment after the relationship's end, due to a lack of evidence. Fishback has denied wrongdoing and stated that he has never been arrested, charged with, or convicted of a crime.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-12-30 |title=Florida school district cut ties with GOP candidate James Fishback in 2022 over sexual misconduct allegations |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/florida-school-gop-james-fishback-sexual-misconduct-allegations-rcna249963 |access-date=2026-01-01 |website=NBC News|first=Matt|last=Dixon|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Scheckner |first=Jesse |date=2025-12-05 |title=Woman says James Fishback dated her while she was underage, then harassed her after breakup |url=https://floridapolitics.com/archives/768484-woman-says-james-fishback-dated-her-while-she-was-underage-then-harassed-her-after-breakup/ |access-date=2026-01-05 |website=Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government. |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Padilla |first=Anita |date=2025-12-05 |title=Governor candidate James Fishback faces allegations over relationship, began when partner was a minor |url=https://flvoicenews.com/gop-governor-candidate-james-fishback-faces-allegations-over-relationship-began-when-partner-was-a-minor/ |access-date=2026-01-13 |website=Florida’s Voice |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Job title dispute === In October 2023, Fishback sued Greenlight Capital over a dispute regarding his job title.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Goss |first=Louis |title=Greenlight Capital’s clash with an ex-employee has captivated the hedge-fund world |url=https://www.fnlondon.com/articles/greenlight-capitals-clash-with-an-ex-employee-has-captivated-the-hedge-fund-world-bd9a2e99 |access-date=2025-12-12 |website=www.fnlondon.com |language=en-GB}}</ref> In his lawsuit, he claimed to have held a senior macro role, specifically as "head of macro".<ref name="GreenlightCap">{{Cite web |last=Goss |first=Louis |date=2024-05-20 |title=Greenlight Capital’s clash with a former employee has captivated the hedge-fund world |url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/greenlight-capitals-clash-with-a-former-employee-has-captivated-the-hedge-fund-world-cc16e435 |access-date=2025-12-12 |website=MarketWatch |language=EN-US}}</ref> Greenlight Capital denied these claims, stating that the position of "head of macro" never existed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Saacks |first=Bradley |title=David Einhorn was once the young thorn in the side of executives. Now he's dealing with his own. |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/david-einhorn-greenlight-lawsuit-james-fishback-2024-5 |access-date=2025-12-12 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="HeadofMacro"/>
In June 2024, Greenlight Capital countersued Fishback, alleging misrepresentation of his role, breach of his employment agreement, and defamation.<ref name="HeadofMacro" /> Greenlight also sought the return of two promissory notes which it had extended to Fishback, which it alleged Fishback had kept after his resignation.<ref name=":11" /> In September 2025, Fishback admitted to sharing confidential Greenlight positions and strategies via his personal email and operating an undisclosed trading account, violating his employment agreement. As part of the settlement, he agreed to delete or return all Greenlight materials in his possession and pay the firm's legal expenses.<ref name="bloomberg2">{{cite web |last=Dolmetsch |first=Chris |date=September 26, 2025 |title=Fishback Admits Sharing Confidential Greenlight Information |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-26/fishback-admits-sharing-portfolio-data-from-einhorn-s-greenlight |access-date=September 29, 2025 |work=Bloomberg}}</ref> Fishback claimed to be unable to pay back Greenlight's legal expenses, and, as a result, has had his financial accounts garnished. His Tesla Model Y repossessed in September 2025. He later said that he would not pay back Greenlight "because some Democrat judge in New York [...] says that I owe him", but, in a statement to the ''Miami Herald'' in April stated that his nonpayment was due to inability, rather than unwillingness, to pay.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |last=Sundel |first=Jenna |date=26 November 2025 |title=‘DOGE Dividend’ Creator Had Tesla Repossessed |url=https://www.newsweek.com/doge-dividend-creator-had-tesla-repossessed-11117696 |website=Newsweek}}</ref><ref name=":17" />
In January 2026, a federal magistrate judge ordered Fishback to surrender Azoria stock and a group of luxury items he purchased through an undisclosed bank account to US Marshals for sale to Greenlight.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |title=GREENLIGHT CAPITAL INC v. FISHBACK (4:25-mc-00031), Florida Northern District Court |url=https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/58001838/GREENLIGHT_CAPITAL_INC_v_FISHBACK |access-date=2026-03-15 |website=www.pacermonitor.com |language=en}}</ref> In March 2026, Fishback's lawyer in the Greenlight case withdrew from his defense, citing Fishback's nonpayment of legal fees.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |date=2026-03-20 |title=Exclusive {{!}} Florida gubernatorial candidate James Fishback's own lawyers dump him over unpaid $150k bill |url=https://nypost.com/2026/03/20/business/florida-gubernatorial-candidate-james-fishbacks-own-lawyers-dump-him-over-unpaid-150k-bill/ |access-date=2026-03-22 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=DeLuca |first=Alex |date=2026-03-19 |title=James Fishback’s Attorney Quits Over $150K in Unpaid Legal Fees |url=https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/james-fishbacks-attorney-says-he-owes-150k-in-legal-fees-40533301/ |access-date=2026-03-22 |website=Miami New Times |language=en-US}}</ref> A federal judge declined to hold Fishback in contempt of court on April 1. Greenlight had sought a judgement of contempt due to Fishback's alleged lack of transparency.<ref name=":17" />
== Personal life == Fishback resides in Madison, Florida.<ref name=":3" /> He is Latin Catholic, and speaks English and Spanish.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Cai|first1=Sophia|last2=Leonard|first2=Kimberly|title=Pro-DeSantis candidate James Fishback launching bid for Florida governor|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2025/11/10/pro-desantis-candidate-james-fishback-launching-bid-for-florida-governor-00645553|work=Politico|date=10 November 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Costeines |first=Michael |date=2025-12-26 |title=James Fishback Pledges Return of Nativity Scenes on Government Property |url=https://floridianpress.com/2025/12/james-fishback-pledges-return-of-nativity-scenes-on-government-property/ |access-date=2025-12-27 |website=The Floridian |language=en-US}}</ref> On May 23, 2026, Fishback married Valeria Quimby-Moro.<ref>{{cite news|last=Esposito|first=Laura|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/far-right-florida-candidate-james-fishback-abruptly-marries-new-woman-after-split/|title=Far-Right Florida Candidate Abruptly Marries New Woman After Split|work=Daily Beast|date=24 May 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fishback |first=James |date=May 29, 2026 |title=We're legal now. |url=https://x.com/i/status/2060420368037240959 |access-date=May 30, 2026 |website=X, formerly Twitter}}</ref>
On March 11, 2026, Fishback announced that he had been banned from all Florida locations of Waffle House after attempting to tour all of the chain's locations in the state.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rey |first=Michelle Del |title=Governor candidate says he's banned from all Waffle Houses in Florida |url=https://www.courierpress.com/story/news/nation/2026/03/11/james-fishback-banned-waffle-house-florida/89103093007/ |access-date=2026-03-15 |website=Courier & Press |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Arson claim === On February 8, 2026, Fishback said that a fire in the front yard of his Madison County home had been intentionally set and described the incident as "political violence". He said the fire came within approximately 10 feet of his house.<ref name="NBCMiami">{{cite web |title=Florida governor candidate claims he was victim of arson after fire starts in front yard |url=https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/florida-governor-candidate-claims-he-was-victim-of-arson-after-fire-starts-in-front-yard/3762426/ |website=NBC Miami |date=February 9, 2026 |access-date=February 11, 2026}}</ref> The fire was quickly contained by Madison County Fire Rescue and did not damage the house.<ref name="NBCMiami" /> According to WFLA News Channel 8, as of February 9 local law enforcement had not launched an arson investigation.<ref name="WFLA">{{cite web |title=No probe after fire at Florida governor hopeful's property |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ER1HyDiPdJ8 |website=WFLA News Channel 8 |date=February 9, 2026 |access-date=February 11, 2026}}</ref> Officials from the Madison County Sheriff's Office and Madison County Fire Rescue stated there was no active criminal probe and did not classify the fire as arson.<ref name="WFLA" />
== References == {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{wikiquote}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Fishback, James}} Category:1995 births Category:American anti-Zionists Category:American conspiracy theorists Category:American founders Category:American hedge fund managers Category:American investors Category:American politicians of Colombian descent Category:American white nationalists Category:Antisemitism in Florida Category:Boyd H. Anderson High School alumni Category:Candidates in the 2026 United States elections Category:Christian critics of Israel Category:Christian nationalists Category:Florida Republicans Category:Georgetown University alumni Category:Latino conservatism in the United States Category:Living people Category:People from Davie, Florida Category:White nationalism in Florida