In an exclusive interview with The Floridian, Governor Ron DeSantis shared that he'd remain neutral in the upcoming Republican Primary for Florida Governor. James Fishback, a gubernatorial hopeful, has responded to the governor's comments from our interview, calling it an "unexpected development."
So far, the Republican Primary is hosting Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), former Speaker of the Florida House Paul Renner (R-FL), and Azoria CEO James Fishback. Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins, who is expected to announce his candidacy, has yet to do so.
Fishback, who calls Governor DeSantis "the greatest Governor in the history of Florida," recently snagged Florida Education Board member Dan Foganholi's endorsement. Governor DeSantis appointed Foganholi to the Broward County School Board in August 2024.
In response to Governor DeSantis's point of neutrality, Fishback shared his admiration for the "decision to let Florida voters choose their nominee as they did in 2018 when they rejected the establishment pick and chose Ron DeSantis."
Reiterating his plan for Florida, Fishback commented that he wants to "preserve Governor DeSantis' unprecedented wins and make Florida more affordable." He expressed, however, that on Election Day "it would be the honor of a lifetime" if Governor DeSantis voted for him.
Rep. Donalds, who is seen as the frontrunner, has claimed the endorsements of President Donald Trump, Senator Rick Scott, and numerous other Florida lawmakers. Despite the support, Fishback argues that "what fortunately wins the race is not dollars raised but votes counted."
Responding to Governor DeSantis's comments, Fishback reiterated that he is "the only candidate willing to stand up to overdevelopment, end the H-1B scam so our workers can get jobs again, stop Blackstone from buying single-family homes so our families can buy homes again, and block AI Data Centers that would drive up electric bills."
"I’m a fourth-generation Floridian, and I’m running because Florida is our home,” he concluded.
