James Fishback, 30, officially filed paperwork Monday to run for governor of Florida. He aims to challenge Republican frontrunner Rep. Byron Donalds. Fishback announced his candidacy with a mix of social media posts and traditional campaign events.
Fishback highlighted Florida’s growth challenges and criticized Donalds for promoting AI data centers that could raise electricity costs. He said the state should focus on controlled development and local priorities rather than appealing to outside investors.
Fishback plans to campaign using both digital tools and in-person events. During a recent trip from Jacksonville to Tallahassee, he used a Tesla’s autopilot to post campaign messages on X, often revising content with ChatGPT. His focus will remain on a few core issues: banning AI data centers, ending property taxes on homesteads, and opposing H-1B visa expansion. Fishback has also created nicknames for Donalds, like “Big Tech Byron” and “H-1Byron,” to draw attention online.
Fishback manages Azoria Capital, which oversees around $40 million in investments. The firm’s Azoria Meritocracy ETF avoids companies with DEI policies, reflecting Fishback’s conservative political stance. He dropped out of Georgetown University to start investing and gained recognition for his Wall Street strategies, including a notable trade idea with Greenlight Capital. Fishback later founded Azoria and raised $25 million from venture investors.
Politically, Fishback aligns with red-pilled financiers and online Gen Z conservatives. He has supported Trump’s agenda, founded anti-woke debate programs, and engaged in online conservative discourse.
Fishback has repeatedly criticized Donalds for focusing too much on Trump and for having a brief official platform. He argues that Florida should limit outside influences and focus on local issues. He uses Florida’s rapid growth and incoming New Yorkers as an example, saying “Florida is full” and that newcomers should consider other states.
Fishback kicked off his campaign with speeches at local GOP groups. In Marianna, a small panhandle city, he spoke about controlled growth and keeping Florida focused on residents’ needs. Attendees appreciated his hands-on approach and clear messaging about state priorities. He travels with a young campaign team, including a 23-year-old chief strategist and a 19-year-old videographer. Fishback believes he can run an effective campaign with $5 million, far less than Donalds’ $31 million fundraising advantage.
Fishback aims to become a candidate that former Gov. Ron DeSantis would support, positioning himself as a practical and policy-focused alternative to Donalds. He hopes his mix of online engagement, media appearances, and grassroots campaigning will resonate with Florida voters. He plans to continue leveraging digital tools while connecting directly with constituents across the state, focusing on growth, taxes, and conservative values.
