A 30-year-old political newcomer is shaking up Florida’s gubernatorial race by declaring that the Sunshine State should prioritize its own citizens over foreign nations, including Israel.
Story Overview
- James Fishback challenges Trump-endorsed Byron Donalds with America First foreign policy stance
- Candidate pledges to refuse donations from pro-Israel lobbying groups like AIPAC
- Campaign focuses on domestic affordability while criticizing Israel’s Gaza war policies
- Fourth-generation Floridian positions himself as more ideologically consistent than establishment rivals
The Outsider’s Challenge to Republican Orthodoxy
James Fishback announced his Republican gubernatorial candidacy on November 24, 2025, immediately distinguishing himself from the crowded field by attacking frontrunner Byron Donalds as a “slave to his donors.” The investment firm CEO didn’t stop there. He explicitly criticized Israel’s handling of the Gaza conflict and pledged to refuse campaign donations from foreign-affiliated organizations, specifically naming the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
This represents a dramatic departure from typical Republican gubernatorial campaigns in Florida, where support for Israel has traditionally been unwavering. Fishback’s willingness to break with this orthodoxy signals his commitment to an America First agenda that puts Florida families ahead of foreign policy considerations that have dominated Washington’s attention.
Florida First Economics Over Foreign Entanglements
Fishback’s domestic agenda centers on making life affordable for working Floridians through concrete policy changes. He proposes eliminating property taxes on homestead properties, confronting insurance companies driving up costs, and blocking investment giants like BlackRock from purchasing single-family homes. His campaign website emphasizes enabling Floridians to “earn a great-paying job, buy a home, raise a family, and retire with dignity.”
The candidate supports a complete immigration moratorium and campaigns to abolish the H-1B visa program, promising to fire state government employees working under it. He opposes AI datacenter construction in Florida, arguing these facilities would increase energy costs for residents. This domestic focus contrasts sharply with politicians who spend more time discussing foreign conflicts than local affordability crises.
Taking Aim at the Trump-Endorsed Establishment
Despite Donald Trump’s endorsement of Byron Donalds, Fishback positions himself as the more authentic Trump ally on America First principles. His campaign advertisement directly attacks Donalds’ congressional record and corporate ties, suggesting the frontrunner has been compromised by special interests. This strategy attempts to exploit potential voter dissatisfaction with politicians who talk America First but maintain establishment donor relationships.
Fishback describes himself as a strong supporter of outgoing Governor Ron DeSantis while pledging to build on that record. However, his foreign policy positions represent a more aggressive America First approach than DeSantis typically adopted. The candidate has defended supporters of far-right commentator Nick Fuentes as “incredibly informed and insightful and very patriotic,” though he claims unfamiliarity with the term “groyper.”
The Road Ahead for America First Governance
Fishback faces significant structural disadvantages against better-funded, Trump-endorsed opponents. His professional background includes controversy from his time at Greenlight Capital, where he admitted to sharing confidential positions and operating undisclosed trading accounts in violation of his employment agreement. Questions have also emerged about his voter registration status in multiple states.
The campaign’s success will test whether Republican primary voters are ready to embrace foreign policy positions that prioritize American interests over traditional international commitments. If Fishback gains traction, it could signal broader appetite for candidates willing to challenge establishment Republican orthodoxy on foreign policy while focusing relentlessly on domestic concerns affecting working families.
Sources:
Fishback 2026 Campaign Website
Florida Politics – Voter Registration Questions
Florida Phoenix – Campaign Coverage
