James Fishback is an investor, business executive and political newcomer seeking the Republican nomination for governor of Florida in 2026. He is scheduled to appear on the ballot in the Republican primary on Aug. 18, 2026.
Known for his fiscally conservative approach to policy, Fishback formally launched his gubernatorial campaign in November 2025. His candidacy represents his first campaign for elected public office. He is running to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is prohibited from seeking a third consecutive term.
Fishback is the founder and chief executive of Azoria, an investment-management company established in 2023. The firm launched investment products focused on companies and individual stocks, although independent trustees voted in October 2025 to liquidate and terminate two Azoria exchange-traded funds. Before founding Azoria, Fishback worked as a research analyst at the hedge fund Greenlight Capital.
He also founded Incubate Debate, an organization that hosts debate tournaments and provides training for middle- and high-school students. The organization has said it has conducted more than 100 free, in-person debates involving thousands of students.
Fishback gained national attention in early 2025 after proposing what he called a “DOGE dividend,” under which a portion of savings identified through the federal Department of Government Efficiency would be distributed to taxpayers. Fishback has described himself as having advised or consulted with DOGE, although reporting has questioned whether he held an official position within the initiative.
In his campaign for governor, Fishback has presented himself as a conservative alternative to more experienced elected officials. His platform emphasizes reducing Florida’s cost of living, eliminating or significantly reducing property taxes, restricting immigration and the use of H-1B visa workers, protecting agricultural land and limiting the construction of large data centers in residential and rural communities.
Fishback has aligned himself with several policies advanced by DeSantis while criticizing Republican frontrunner Byron Donalds, who has received President Donald Trump’s endorsement. Fishback’s campaign has relied heavily on social media and appeals to younger conservative voters, while some of his statements concerning immigration, race and American history have drawn criticism from political opponents and national media organizations.
Fishback grew up in Broward County and attended Boyd H. Anderson High School, where he participated in debate. He later attended Georgetown University before leaving college to pursue a career in finance. He now lives in North Florida.
