The race for the 2026 Florida gubernatorial election is heating up, with investor James Fishback, a conservative aligned with Governor Ron DeSantis, announcing on Monday that he will launch a campaign.
This sets the stage for a high-profile Republican primary clash against the presumptive frontrunner, Rep. Byron Donalds, who has the powerful endorsement of President Donald Trump.
Fishback, 30, the CEO of the investment firm Azoria, said, “I’ve heard from Floridians across the state who are hungry for a leader who will build on Governor DeSantis’ historic record and make it easier to buy a home, raise a family, and retire with dignity. I’ve made my decision, and I will be making a formal announcement very soon.”
Fishback’s Hardline Platform
The fast-talking, Spanish-speaking Davie native plans to campaign on a hardline platform focused on immigration and affordability. Key proposals include:
- Mandatory H-1B Visa Firings: Compelling companies doing business in Florida to fire employees working under H-1B visas and replace them with Americans.
- Eliminating Property Taxes: Abolishing property taxes for Florida residents’ homestead properties.
Fishback also plans to bring a top political operative from “DeSantis-world” to lead his campaign.
Rep. Byron Donalds, a congressman from Naples, launched his bid in February with President Trump’s endorsement, campaigning on a promise to continue the DeSantis agenda and establish Florida as a new financial capital. Donalds has already demonstrated significant financial strength, raising $31.5 million to date.
He has secured the backing of numerous conservative influencers, Republican members of Florida’s Congressional delegation, and dozens of state legislators. His campaign team includes seasoned Trump allies like pollster Tony Fabrizio and chief strategist Ryan Smith.
Fishback’s decision is already causing friction.
Florida GOP Rep. Randy Fine said Tuesday, “This guy [James Fishback] is a total wierdo. Begged me to help him with his debate league for years when I was in the Legislature — even donated to my campaign! I called him because someone showed me all the Neo-Nazi stuff he was posting and, given I knew him, gave him the benefit of the doubt and called to see if he was just ill-informed. Clearly a mistake. He’s all in with Nick Fuentes. He’ll run in the Groyper lane and get whipped. And from what I am hearing his poser debate career won’t be the only thing exposed.”
The Republican field is not limited to this emerging rivalry. Paul Renner, a former state House speaker who championed much of DeSantis’s legislative agenda, is also a major GOP candidate. Furthermore, Lt. Gov. Jay Collins and Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis are reportedly weighing bids.
Governor DeSantis, while still a key political figure, has yet to endorse any candidate and has reportedly opposed the candidacies of both Donalds and Renner.
On the Democratic side, two candidates have filed: former Rep. David Jolly (who recently switched his affiliation from NPA) and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings. The 2026 election will take place in a state that has trended significantly red, with Republicans currently out-registering Democratic voters by 1.4 million people.
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