By Sam Barron | Monday, 10 November 2025 08:46 PM EST
James Fishback, a supporter of Gov. Ron DeSantis, is running for governor of Florida, positioning himself against Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., for the Republican nomination. Donalds has secured the endorsement of former President Donald Trump.
Fishback, who leads Azoria, an investment firm backing companies that avoid diversity initiatives, has pledged a hard-line immigration and affordability platform. His plan includes requiring Florida-based companies to replace H-1B visa workers with American citizens, according to Politico.
Trump allies such as Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla., White House deputy chief of staff James Blair, and strategist Alex Bruesewitz have urged Fishback not to run, emphasizing the need for unity behind Donalds. Bruesewitz stated, “Byron has the trust and support of President Trump, a massive war chest, and the entire MAGA movement lined up behind him.”
Fishback has openly criticized Donalds, asserting that the congressman has failed to demonstrate leadership despite his 8-month tenure. “Byron Donalds is a good man, but he has done nothing in 8 months to show that he can lead a state my family has known for four generations,” Fishback told Politico.
Fishback also faced scrutiny for his past criticisms of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and efforts to join the Fed, as well as his opposition to tech CEO Elon Musk following Musk’s rift with Trump. Meanwhile, Paul Renner, former Florida House speaker, and DeSantis’ wife, Casey, are also vying for the nomination.
DeSantis has not endorsed a candidate but has criticized Donalds and called Renner’s bid “ill-advised.”
