JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – James Fishback, an investment firm executive, recently announced his candidacy for Florida governor in the 2026 race.
He aims to challenge Republican Congressman Byron Donalds, who has President Trump’s endorsement.
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“I am in this race to fight for you. I’m in this race to make life more affordable for you, your kids and your grandkids,” Fishback said.
When asked about the controversy following his controversial remark about Donalds being a “slave,” Fishback responded:
“I called him that because he’s a slave to corporate donors and to foreign interest. If Byron Donalds wants me to stop calling him that, he should return the $30 million he took from corporate PACs all across this country.”
Fishback emphasized his commitment to protecting American workers, particularly against the use of H-1B visas. He shared a story about a Florida State University computer science student who sent out more than 100 resumes within a week without any interview offers, while companies hired foreign workers for entry-level jobs.
“If you elect me for this role, I’m going to be a champion for our workers,” Fishback said. “On day one, I’m going to end the H-1B scam. Any company that has a state contract has to decide: do they want to keep their H-1Bs on the payroll, or do they want to keep their $50 million a year state contract? They get 24 hours.”
Fishback described himself as “a reluctant Republican” and a “proud conservative,” distancing himself from what he sees as irresponsible spending by some Republicans, including Donalds.