Floridian Challenges Trump-backed Candidate in GOP Governor Race
Gubernatorial candidate U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds speaks during his kickoff campaign, Friday, March 28, 2025, in Bonita Springs, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris Tilley)
James Fishback, a supporter of Gov. Ron DeSantis, is running for governor of Florida, positioning himself against Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., who has secured the endorsement of former President Donald Trump. Fishback, who leads Azoria, an investment firm that avoids diversity initiatives, is advocating for a hard-line immigration and affordability agenda, including proposals to replace H-1B visa workers with American employees in Florida businesses.
Fishback has criticized Donalds, arguing that the congressman has failed to demonstrate leadership despite his ties to the MAGA movement. Trump allies, including Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla., White House deputy chief of staff James Blair, and strategist Alex Bruesewitz, have urged Fishback not to run, emphasizing Donalds’ support from the former president and his substantial campaign resources.
Fishback has also faced scrutiny for past remarks, including public critiques of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and a super PAC opposing tech CEO Elon Musk after Musk’s conflict with Trump. Meanwhile, Paul Renner, a former Florida House speaker, and DeSantis’ wife, Casey, are also vying for the Republican nomination. DeSantis has not endorsed any candidate but has dismissed Renner’s bid as poorly conceived.
