James Fishback
James Thomas Fishback (born January 1, 1995) is an American investor and political candidate for the Republican nomination in the 2026 Florida gubernatorial election. Fishback worked for hedge fund Greenlight Capital from 2021 until 2023. He founded Azoria Partners, an investment management firm that later launched an ETF before it was shut down by the company's independent trustees over legal concerns. In the summer of 2025, Fishback made attempts to associate himself with President Donald Trump, falsely claiming to have been an advisor at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and later launching an unsuccessful campaign to be nominated to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. In November 2025, Fishback launched a campaign for the Republican nomination for Florida governor. Fishback has been involved in various legal disputes. In 2022, the Broward County School District cut ties with him and a debate league he ran following allegations that he sexually groomed an underage girl while running in-person debate tournaments for middle and high school students that she participated in. Fishback denied the allegations and threatened to sue the parents who made them, but later moved in with and was briefly engaged to her after she turned 18. In 2023, Fishback initiated a dispute with his former employer, Greenlight Capital, regarding his job title; the dispute culminated in Fishback's 2025 admission that he had illicitly shared and used confidential Greenlight information.
James Fishback | |
|---|---|
 Fishback in 2026 | |
| Born | James Thomas Fishback January 1, 1995 Davie, Florida, U.S. |
| Education | Georgetown University (attended) |
| Political party | Republican |
| Website | Campaign website |
James Thomas Fishback (born January 1, 1995) is an American investor and political candidate for the Republican nomination in the 2026 Florida gubernatorial election.[1][2]
Fishback worked for hedge fund Greenlight Capital from 2021 until 2023.[3] He founded Azoria Partners, an investment management firm that later launched an ETF before it was shut down by the company's independent trustees over legal concerns.[4] In the summer of 2025, Fishback made attempts to associate himself with President Donald Trump, falsely claiming to have been an advisor at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and later launching an unsuccessful campaign to be nominated to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors.[5] In November 2025, Fishback launched a campaign for the Republican nomination for Florida governor.
Fishback has been involved in various legal disputes. In 2022, the Broward County School District cut ties with him and a debate league he ran following allegations that he sexually groomed an underage girl while running in-person debate tournaments for middle and high school students that she participated in.[6] Fishback denied the allegations and threatened to sue the parents who made them, but later moved in with and was briefly engaged to her after she turned 18.[7][8] In 2023, Fishback initiated a dispute with his former employer, Greenlight Capital, regarding his job title; the dispute culminated in Fishback's 2025 admission that he had illicitly shared and used confidential Greenlight information.[9]
Early life
[edit]James Fishback was born on January 1, 1995, in Davie, Florida.[10][11] His mother is an immigrant from Colombia, and his father owned a landscaping business before becoming a bus driver. Fishback attributes the failure of his father's business to the arrival of Haitian migrants under temporary protected status following the 2010 earthquake.[12]
Growing up, Fishback spent his summers in Colombia.[13] Fishback has claimed Arkansas governor William Meade Fishback as his ancestor.[14] He graduated from the majority-Black Boyd H. Anderson High School[13] and participated in his high school's debate team.[15][16][17] Fishback enrolled at Georgetown University to study international economics, but dropped out after sophomore year to pursue a career in finance.[18]
Business career
[edit]In 2019, Fishback founded Incubate Debate, a debate league that provides tournaments and training for middle and high school students.[19][20] Fishback stated that he formed Incubate Debate due to frustration with ideological biases held by National Speech and Debate Association judges.[15] Incubate Debate was acquired by the Bill of Rights Institute in 2024,[21] but control of the organization later reverted to Fishback, who stated that the acquisition was "dissolved".[8]
Fishback joined the hedge fund Greenlight Capital in 2021.[22] Fishback was employed by Greenlight Capital as a research analyst until 2023; Greenlight stated Fishback resigned ahead of a planned termination for low productivity.[3] Fishback claimed that he resigned after being subjected to anti-Christian discrimination.[23]
Fishback wrote for The Free Press from 2023-2024.[24]
In 2023, Fishback founded Azoria Partners, an investment management firm focused on global macro strategies.[25] In June 2025, Azoria launched the Azoria 500 Meritocracy ETF, which tracks the S&P 500 but excludes companies with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.[17][26][27] The Meritocracy ETF, along with another ETF run by Fishback, was shut down in October by Azoria's independent trustees. The board stated that it made the decision after considering factors including "recent litigation involving a principal of" Azoria. Fishback alleged that the liquidations were motivated by anti-conservative bias.[28] In an April 2026 hearing, Fishback stated that he was "no longer involved" in Azoria Capital, having left the company that January.[29]
In February 2025, Fishback proposed the "DOGE Dividend", a plan to return 20% of savings from the federal Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) directly to taxpayers.[30] He did a media tour where he claimed he worked for DOGE until the summer of 2025, but senior DOGE officials from before, during and after the period say Fishback never held any official or informal role with the group and that he was fabricating his association with them. After Fishback claimed to have been a DOGE advisor in a post on the social media platform X, a spokesperson for DOGE head Elon Musk responded saying it was not true.[31]
In July 2025, Azoria unsuccessfully sued to make the Federal Open Market Committee's July 29 meeting public. In August 2025, Fishback contacted President Donald Trump and several of his advisors in an attempt to secure the seat on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors vacated by Adriana Kugler. He visited the Federal Reserve's market symposium in Jackson Hole on August 22, where he repeatedly yelled at member Lisa Cook. After a Florida-based social media account posted an unattributed claim on X that Fishback was being considered for the seat, speculation sparked online and on cable news networks that he was a serious contender. However, the Trump administration concluded that Fishback had fabricated the entire news cycle. Fishback was never considered for the role, and Trump instead named Stephen Miran to the position in September.[9][31]
2026 Florida gubernatorial campaign
[edit]On November 24, 2025, Fishback announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination in the 2026 Florida gubernatorial election.[32]
Fishback has been described as a strong supporter of Florida governor Ron DeSantis, who has not yet endorsed anyone,[33] and has praised his "historical record" while in office.[34][35] On January 18, Fishback publicly split with DeSantis advisor Christina Pushaw, who had been informally advising his campaign.[why?][13]
During his campaign, Fishback defended supporters of far-right political commentator Nick Fuentes, saying, "I've found the audience of young men who follow and watch Nick Fuentes to be actually incredibly informed and insightful and very patriotic." These comments drew criticism from political opponents and advocacy groups.[36] Some commentators, including writers for The Nation,[37] have described Fishback as a "Groyper",[16][38][39] an association he has both disputed and embraced. Fuentes has expressed support for his candidacy but stopped short of endorsing him, saying it could hurt Fishback's bid for Governor.[16][40][41] On January 9, 2026, Fishback appeared on Tucker Carlson's podcast, where Carlson endorsed him.[42] The New York Times states that young conservatives in Florida are "fascinated" by Fishback.[43]
As of January 14, 2026, the Fishback campaign reported that it had raised $19,000, significantly less than other contenders in the race.[44]
Eligibility
[edit]As late as August 2025, Fishback claimed a homestead exemption in Washington, DC, identifying it as his primary domicile,[45][46] which would make him ineligible to run for governor in Florida, which requires gubernatorial candidates to live and be registered to vote in the state for at least seven years prior to running. The Orlando Sentinel found that he requested absentee ballots for DC as late as 2024.[47]
Racial comments
[edit]According to Vox, Fishback is a white supremacist who "espouses openly racist and antisemitic views" and has close ties to individuals in the Groyper movement.[48] The Verge considers Fishback to be a "white supremacist candidate".[49] His comments have been described by media organizations and politicians across the political spectrum as racist.[50][51]
Comments on Byron Donalds
[edit]Fishback is challenging frontrunner Byron Donalds, a U.S. representative endorsed by President Trump. In his announcement video, Fishback criticized Donalds's record in Congress, and later attacked Donalds for his ties to "corporate interests", calling him a "slave".[3][22][32] On January 12, he referred to Donalds as "By'rone" and accused him of wanting to "turn Florida into a Section 8 ghetto".[52] According to The American Conservative, Fishback denied these claims, saying "I’m going to fight for you with equal vigor, whether you’re black or you’re white, straight or gay, Christian, Muslim or a Jew".[53] Fishback later posted a video on social media platform X of himself shooting an assault rifle at a shooting range, with the caption, "Pull up, Byron Donalds. Let's see if you're really black".[54]
"Goyslop"
[edit]Fishback advocates against junk food in school cafeterias, calling it "goyslop", an antisemitic term used to claim that Jews control the fast-food industry with the purpose of making non-Jews unhealthy.[55][56] When asked about why he had used the term, Fishback replied, "Because it’s funny. Get a life."[57]
Lynching comments
[edit]During a campaign stop on April 3, 2026, Fishback told a black man that he "should be lynched" after the man asked about Fishback's alleged relationship with an underage girl.[58]
Political views
[edit]Fishback's views have been characterized by media as white supremacist,[48][49] nativist,[59] and Christian nationalist.[60] He has been described as the first "Groyper" political candidate, and his statements and views have been seen as supportive of political commentator Nick Fuentes and his followers.[60][59] His campaign has been described as provocative and deploying "rage bait" tactics to gain popular attention with a large online presence.[61][48]
Fishback's views have been condemned as hateful and racist by both Republican and Democratic opponents as well as other organizations during the 2026 gubernatorial campaign.[62][63][64][55]
Civil and social views
[edit]Fishback supports a complete ban on abortion, including in cases of rape and incest.[65] He opposes same-sex marriage and supports banning same-sex marriage in Florida if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Obergefell v. Hodges.[66] He expresses belief in the white genocide and Great Replacement conspiracy theories.[16][12][42] Fishback has been described as espousing white nationalist talking points, appealing to Christian nationalists,[42] "flirting with white nationalist subcultures"[67] and promoting white nationalist ideas.[68] He has called gun waiting periods "unconstitutional".[69] He has proposed a 50% sin tax on income produced by OnlyFans content creators to support crisis pregnancy centers, mental-health initiatives and education systems.[70] He said that OnlyFans exploits women.[71]
On January 30, after journalist Don Lemon was arrested for covering an anti-ICE protest inside a Saint Paul church, Fishback wrote that "Don Lemon is lucky he's not getting hanged in the public square for ransacking a church."[72]
Crime
[edit]Fishback has stated that capital punishment should be used as sparingly as possible, and reserved only "for the most heinous crimes committed in our state".[73]
He has called for the public execution of the co-conspirators of Jeffrey Epstein.[74] He has pledged to appoint a special prosecutor and reopen state investigations into the Epstein files.[75]
Economics
[edit]Fishback has been characterized as an economic populist.[60] On homelessness, he has proposed using state resources, including the Florida National Guard, to remove homeless encampments and relocate individuals into facilities where he says they would receive treatment and services.[76][77] Fishback supports eliminating property taxes on homestead properties.[78][76] He supports banning investment firms, such as BlackRock, from purchasing single-family homes.[16] Fishback additionally supports levying a $50,000 tax on out-of-state buyers trying to purchase a home in Florida.[79] He has stated that his focus on affordability has been inspired by the campaign of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, although he disagrees with Mamdani's proposed solutions to the affordability crisis.[36][16] He supports paid maternity leave,[79] stating "How can we be pro-life...[if] we’re not going to help cover the cost of childbirth?...[or] make sure that her employer gives her paid maternity leave?"[80]
Education
[edit]Fishback supports raising the pay of public school teachers by 25%.[81] He supports requiring school uniforms in Florida's public schools, while providing families with a $250 per child stipend to purchase them.[79] Fishback hopes to end the presence of international students at Florida public universities by instituting $1 million tuition fees for foreign students.[82]
Environment
[edit]Fishback opposes the construction of AI data centers in Florida, arguing they would increase energy costs.[83] He holds conservationist views on the environment, and has pledged to preserve more park space.[81] Fishback has stated that he supports further restoration of the Everglades, conserving state parks, and cleaning waterways.[84]
Foreign policy
[edit]Fishback has pledged to refuse campaign donations from organizations affiliated with foreign countries, specifically naming the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).[85] He has condemned both the October 7 attacks[86] and Israel's handling of the Gaza war,[38] labeling Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu an "immoral war criminal".[87] Fishback has stated that he previously supported Israel but changed his views after witnessing bombings on the Holy Family Church and the Gaza genocide.[86] He has pledged to direct all Florida government entities to divest from Israel Bonds if elected, and reinvest the funds into statewide housing assistance.[88] He has also criticized politicians for visiting Israel and kissing the "stupid" Western Wall.[56]
He is opposed to U.S. involvement in the 2026 Iran War.[89]
Immigration
[edit]Fishback has campaigned to abolish the H-1B visa program and pledged to fire state government employees working under it.[90][91] He is against immigration to the United States, and has stated that he supports a "complete immigration moratorium".[77]
Public transportation
[edit]Fishback supports reopening the Florida portion of Amtrak's Sunset Limited route, halted after Hurricane Katrina. He made a social media post promising to "make the trains run on time", a phrase associated with praise for Benito Mussolini.[92]
Surveillance
[edit]Fishback has pledged to ban Flock surveillance cameras[80] and state government contracts with Palantir,[93] if elected.
Legal issues
[edit]Sexual grooming allegation
[edit]In 2022, the Broward County School District cut ties with Fishback and his organization, Incubate Debate, following allegations that he sexually groomed a 16-year-old girl employed by Incubate Debate. Fishback was 27 at the time.[6] The allegations led to the resignation of an Incubate Debate board member. Fishback threatened the parents who made the allegation with legal action.[94] Fishback and the employee moved in together in spring 2023, after she turned 18, and were briefly engaged in 2024 before publicly breaking up. Fishback has denied any inappropriate contact prior to the employee's reaching the age of consent, a denial which she disputes. A judge rejected her January 2025 request for a restraining order against Fishback for alleged harassment after the relationship's end, due to a lack of evidence. Fishback has denied wrongdoing and stated that he has never been arrested, charged with, or convicted of a crime.[95][8][96]
Job title dispute
[edit]In October 2023, Fishback sued Greenlight Capital over a dispute regarding his job title.[97] In his lawsuit, he claimed to have held a senior macro role, specifically as "head of macro".[35] Greenlight Capital denied these claims, stating that the position of "head of macro" never existed.[98][3]
In June 2024, Greenlight Capital countersued Fishback, alleging misrepresentation of his role, breach of his employment agreement, and defamation.[3] Greenlight also sought the return of two promissory notes which it had extended to Fishback, which it alleged Fishback had kept after his resignation.[99] In September 2025, Fishback admitted to sharing confidential Greenlight positions and strategies via his personal email and operating an undisclosed trading account, violating his employment agreement. As part of the settlement, he agreed to delete or return all Greenlight materials in his possession and pay the firm's legal expenses.[9] Fishback claimed to be unable to pay back Greenlight's legal expenses, and, as a result, has had his financial accounts garnished. His Tesla Model Y repossessed in September 2025. He later said that he would not pay back Greenlight "because some Democrat judge in New York [...] says that I owe him", but, in a statement to the Miami Herald in April stated that his nonpayment was due to inability, rather than unwillingness, to pay.[23][29]
In January 2026, a federal magistrate judge ordered Fishback to surrender Azoria stock and a group of luxury items he purchased through an undisclosed bank account to US Marshals for sale to Greenlight.[100] In March 2026, Fishback's lawyer in the Greenlight case withdrew from his defense, citing Fishback's nonpayment of legal fees.[99][101] A federal judge declined to hold Fishback in contempt of court on April 1. Greenlight had sought a judgement of contempt due to Fishback's alleged lack of transparency.[29]
Personal life
[edit]Fishback resides in Madison, Florida.[19] He is Catholic, and speaks English and Spanish.[102][103] On March 11, 2026, Fishback announced that he had been banned from all Florida locations of Waffle House after attempting to tour all of the chain's locations in the state.[104]
Arson claim
[edit]On February 8, 2026, Fishback said that a fire in the front yard of his Madison County home had been intentionally set and described the incident as "political violence". He said the fire came within approximately 10 feet of his house.[105] The fire was quickly contained by Madison County Fire Rescue and did not damage the house.[105] According to WFLA News Channel 8, as of February 9 local law enforcement had not launched an arson investigation.[106] Officials from the Madison County Sheriff's Office and Madison County Fire Rescue stated there was no active criminal probe and did not classify the fire as arson.[106]
References
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She said in the amended April filing that she joined the nonprofit Fishback founded, Incubate Debate, which runs in-person tournaments for middle and high school students, in 2021, when she was 16. Shortly thereafter, she said he "systematically cultivated a relationship with her" by increasing "opportunities for personal interaction". The petition described his approach as "an isolation tactic commonly employed in grooming scenarios".
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