Circuit Judge David Frank rejected a lawsuit aimed at removing Republican gubernatorial candidate James Fishback from the upcoming primary ballot, allowing the candidate to stay in the race for Florida governor.
The legal challenge, filed by primary opponent and Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, questioned whether Fishback satisfied the Florida Constitution’s requirement that candidates reside in the state for seven consecutive years before running for office. Frank’s ruling keeps Fishback on the Aug. 18 ballot alongside Collins and other contenders seeking the GOP nomination.
Following the court’s ruling, Fishback released a statement criticizing the challenge and framing the decision as a defense of the electoral process.
“It’s official. The disgraceful lawfare brought by Jay Collins and fueled by Byron Donalds has failed,” Fishback said. “This isn’t just a victory for our campaign. It’s a victory for the Constitution and for every Floridian who believes elections should be decided by voters, not politicians trying to rig the system.”
Fishback also addressed his opponents directly in his remarks following the decision.
“Jay Collins and Byron Donalds tried to stop our campaign because they know they can’t beat us,” Fishback added. “Today, they lost in court, and in 22 days they’ll lose at the ballot box.”
Looking ahead to the primary election, Fishback highlighted several policy positions that have formed the core of his gubernatorial platform.
“I’m polling in 2nd place, and on August 18th, we’re going to pull off a historic upset,” Fishback said. “I’m the only candidate who will stop data centers, block Flock, fight overdevelopment, lower insurance premiums, and make Florida a state we can afford again. May God bless the great state of Florida.”
Florida voters will cast their ballots in the Republican primary on Aug. 18.
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