James Fishback
American investor and political candidate (born 1995)
James Fishback
Born
James Thomas Fishback

(1995-01-01) January 1, 1995 (age 31)
Davie, Florida, U.S.
EducationGeorgetown University (dropped out)
OccupationHedge fund manager
Political partyRepublican
WebsiteCampaign website

James Thomas Fishback (born January 1, 1995)[1][2] is an American investor, hedge fund manager, and political candidate. He is the CEO of Azoria Partners, an investment firm.[3] He is a candidate for the Republican nomination in the 2026 Florida gubernatorial election.[4]

Early life

James Fishback was born on January 1, 1995, in Davie, Florida.[5] His mother immigrated 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.[6] He attended public schools in Broward County, and participated in his high school's debate team.[7][8][9] Fishback enrolled at Georgetown University to study international economics, but dropped out at age 21 to pursue a career in finance.[10]

Business career

In 2019, Fishback founded Incubate Debate, a debate league that provides tournaments and training for middle and high school students.[11][12] Fishback stated that he formed Incubate Debate due to frustration with ideological biases held by National Speech and Debate Association judges.[7] Incubate Debate was acquired by the Bill of Rights Institute in 2024,[13] but control of the organization later fell back on Fishback, who stated that the acquisition was "dissolved".[14]

Fishback joined the hedge fund Greenlight Capital in 2021.[15] Fishback was employed by Greenlight Capital until 2023, when he resigned ahead of a planned termination cited for low productivity.[16]

In October 2023, Fishback sued Greenlight Capital over a dispute regarding his job title.[17] In his lawsuit, he claimed to have held a senior macro role, specifically as "head of macro," his second promotion in two-and-a-half years after starting as a research analyst and trader.[18] Greenlight Capital denied these claims, stating that the position of "head of macro" never existed.[19][20]

In June 2024, Greenlight Capital countersued Fishback, alleging misrepresentation of his role, breach of his employment agreement, and defamation.[20] 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.[21] Fishback claimed to be unable to pay back Greenlight's legal expenses, and, as a result, had his Tesla Model Y repossessed in September 2025.[22]

In 2023, Fishback founded Azoria Partners, an investment management firm focused on global macro strategies.[23] 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.[24][25][26] 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. [27]

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.[28]

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. Trump named Stephen Miran to the position in September.[29]

2026 Florida gubernatorial campaign

On November 24, 2025, Fishback announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination in the 2026 Florida gubernatorial election.[30] Fishback is challenging frontrunner Byron Donalds, a U.S. representative endorsed by Donald Trump. In his announcement video, Fishback criticized Donalds' record in Congress, and later attacked Donalds for his ties to "corporate interests," calling him a "slave to his donors."[31][32]

Fishback has been described as a strong supporter of Florida governor Ron DeSantis, and has praised his "historical record" while in office.[33] During his campaign, Fishback defended supporters of far-right political commentator Nick Fuentes, stating "I've found the audience of young men who follow and watch Nick Fuentes to be actually incredibly informed and insightful and very patriotic."[34] Fishback has been described as a "groyper."[35][36] In response Fishback has stated, "I don't even know what that means, groyper."[35][37]

On January 9, 2026, Fishback appeared on Tucker Carlson's podcast, where Carlson lent Fishback his support.[38] On January 12, he made a post labeling Donalds "By'rone" and accusing him of wanting to "turn Florida into a Section 8 ghetto". The remark attracted media coverage and was criticized as racist by other political candidates.[39][40] He has also referred to Donalds as “By’won”, in a post on X, responding to a separate post that alleged ties between Donalds and China.[41]

Political views

Domestic policy

Fishback has emphasized affordability in his gubernatorial campaign, highlighting rising living costs in Florida and prioritizing housing affordability.[42] He has proposed increasing competition and confronting insurers to address the issue.[43] Fishback supports eliminating property taxes on homestead properties.[44][43] Fishback supports banning investment firms, such as BlackRock, from purchasing single-family homes.[35]

Fishback opposes the construction of AI datacenters in Florida, arguing they would increase energy costs.[45] Fishback said that his focus on affordability has been inspired by the campaign of Zohran Mamdani, the New York City Mayor, when he said, “I couldn’t disagree more with him on solutions, but I think he won this race in large part because he focused on affordability."[34][35]

Fishback has campaigned to abolish the H-1B visa program and pledged to fire state government employees working under it.[46][47][48] Fishback is against immigration to the United States and has stated that he supports a "complete immigration moratorium".[49] Fishback supports a complete ban on abortion, including in cases of rape and incest.[50] Fishback supports reopening the Florida portion of Amtrak's Sunset Limited route, halted after Hurricane Katrina.

Fishback has voiced support for a sin tax on OnlyFans pornographic creators.[51] He has also supported the White genocide and Great Replacement theories.[52][38][better source needed]

Foreign policy

Under his America First platform, Fishback has pledged to refuse campaign donations from organizations affiliated with foreign countries, specifically naming the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).[53] He has criticized Israel for its handling of the Gaza war.[36]

Fishback expressed support for Operation Absolute Resolve, stating “I support President Trump's decision last night and am grateful to the special operators who successfully executed on his orders… I trust that President Trump understands that U.S. troops do not need to be deployed to Venezuela and that nation building should not be attempted.” [54]

Personal life

Fishback currently resides in Madison, Florida.[11] He is Catholic.[55]

In 2022, the Broward County School District cut ties with Fishback and his organization, Incubate Debate, following allegations that he had an inappropriate romantic relationship with a 17-year old girl employed by Incubate Debate, Keinah Fort. The allegations led to the resignation of an Incubate Debate board member. Fishback threatened the parents who made the allegation with legal action. Fishback and Fort 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 Fort's reaching the age of consent, a denial which Fort disputes. A judge rejected Fort's January 2025 request for a restraining order against Fishback for alleged harassment after the relationship's end, after ruling that Fishback did not harass Fort. Fishback has denied wrongdoing and stated that he has never been arrested, charged with, or convicted of a crime.[56][14][57]

References

  1. ^ "Who is James Fishback, anti-H1-B US investor targeting Indian talent?". The Times of India. 2025-10-28. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  2. ^ "James Thomas Fishback, Age 30, Davie, Florida 33325 - floridavoterdirectory.com". Florida Voter Directory. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  3. ^ Hazard, Charlotte (2025-11-24). "Pro-DeSantis investor Fishback announces bid for governor of Florida". WLOS. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  4. ^ "GOP investor James Fishback is entering the Florida governor's race, challenging Trump's pick". AP News. 2025-11-24. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  5. ^ "Who is James Fishback? DOGE dividend creator runs for Florida governor". Yahoo News. 2025-11-24. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  6. ^ Chowdhury, Shubhangi (2025-12-01). "Florida governor candidate James Fishback vows: 'I'll Fire every H-1B worker'". The American Bazaar. Retrieved 2026-01-11.
  7. ^ a b Fishback, James. "At High School Debates, Debate Is No Longer Allowed". www.thefp.com. Retrieved 2026-01-05.
  8. ^ Harper, Mark. "Here's who's running for governor of Florida in 2026". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved 2025-12-21.
  9. ^ Bridges, C. A. "Who is James Fishback? DOGE dividend creator runs for Florida governor". Tallahassee Democrat. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  10. ^ "Who is James Fishback? Investor who created DOGE stimulus check plan". Newsweek. 2025-02-20. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  11. ^ a b "Republican investor James Fishback announces run for Florida governor". firstcoastnews.com. 2025-11-24. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  12. ^ "Friday Feature: Incubate Debate". www.cato.org. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  13. ^ "Bill of Rights Institute Company Overview, Contact Details & Competitors | LeadIQ". leadiq.com. Retrieved 2026-01-16.
  14. ^ a b Scheckner, Jesse (2025-12-05). "Woman says James Fishback dated her while she was underage, then harassed her after breakup". Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government. Retrieved 2026-01-05.
  15. ^ "Fishback Admits Sharing Portfolio Data From Einhorn's Greenlight | Company Business News". mint. 2025-09-27. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  16. ^ "Einhorn's Greenlight Slams 'Head of Macro' in Fresh Lawsuit". Bloomberg.com. Archived from the original on 2024-06-26. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  17. ^ Goss, Louis. "Greenlight Capital's clash with an ex-employee has captivated the hedge-fund world". www.fnlondon.com. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  18. ^ Goss, Louis (2024-05-20). "Greenlight Capital's clash with a former employee has captivated the hedge-fund world". MarketWatch. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  19. ^ Saacks, Bradley. "David Einhorn was once the young thorn in the side of executives. Now he's dealing with his own". Business Insider. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  20. ^ a b "Einhorn's Greenlight Slams 'Head of Macro' in Fresh Lawsuit". Bloomberg.com. Archived from the original on 2024-06-26. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  21. ^ Dolmetsch, Chris (September 26, 2025). "Fishback Admits Sharing Confidential Greenlight Information". Bloomberg. Retrieved September 29, 2025.
  22. ^ Sundel, Jenna (26 November 2025). "'DOGE Dividend' Creator Had Tesla Repossessed". Newsweek.
  23. ^ Zizo, Christie (2025-11-24). "Right-wing personality James Fishback announces Florida governor campaign". WKMG. Retrieved 2025-12-13.
  24. ^ Bridges, C. A. "Who is James Fishback? DOGE dividend creator runs for Florida governor". Tallahassee Democrat. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  25. ^ Guynn, Jessica. "This anti-'woke' investor is fighting DEI in the S&P 500. His first target: Starbucks". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2025-12-13.
  26. ^ "New anti-woke ETF takes aim at Starbucks". www.investmentnews.com. Retrieved 2025-12-13.
  27. ^ McGee, Susan. "Trustees vote to shutter two ETFs from startup manager Azoria Capital". Reuters. Retrieved 2025-12-31.
  28. ^ "Don't expect a $5,000 check from DOGE". Business Insider. Retrieved 2025-12-13.
  29. ^ Steakin, Will; Zahn, Max. "Before challenging Trump's Florida governor pick, James Fishback sought Fed role, investments from Trump world". ABC News. Retrieved 2026-01-05.
  30. ^ "GOP investor James Fishback is entering the Florida governor's race, challenging Trump's pick". AP News. 2025-11-24. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  31. ^ "Fishback Admits Sharing Portfolio Data From Einhorn's Greenlight | Company Business News". mint. 2025-09-27. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  32. ^ "Einhorn's Greenlight Slams 'Head of Macro' in Fresh Lawsuit". Bloomberg.com. Archived from the original on 2024-06-26. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  33. ^ Goss, Louis (2024-05-20). "Greenlight Capital's clash with a former employee has captivated the hedge-fund world". MarketWatch. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  34. ^ a b "Despite denials, top Ron DeSantis aides have ties to a controversial GOP candidate for Florida governor". NBC News. 2025-12-13. Retrieved 2025-12-14.
  35. ^ a b c d Harper, Mark. "Here's who's running for governor of Florida in 2026". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved 2025-12-21.
  36. ^ a b Ogles, Jacob (2025-11-04). "Amid 2026 campaign chatter, Jay Collins meets with Israel critic, anti-immigrant activist James Fishback". Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government. Retrieved 2025-12-21.
  37. ^ Mantalya, Kyle. "Florida GOP Gubernatorial Candidate James Fishback Praises Nick Fuentes And His Followers". People For.
  38. ^ a b Lorber, Ben (2026-01-13). "Tucker Carlson Platforms Another Groyper—Only This One Is Running for Florida Governor". ISSN 0027-8378. Retrieved 2026-01-13.
  39. ^ Addvensky, Michael (2026-01-12). "Donalds Responds To Shocking Attack By Florida GOP Gubernatorial Opponent: 'Racism Has No Place In The Republican Party'". FOX News Radio. Retrieved 2026-01-13.
  40. ^ "David Jolly (D) condemns fellow Florida governor candidate James Fishback (R) for 'racial slurs'". firstcoastnews.com. 2026-01-12. Retrieved 2026-01-13.
  41. ^ https://x.com/i/status/2011305830415749370
  42. ^ Molina, Daniel (2025-11-26). "James Fishback Takes Swing at 'Compromised' Byron Donalds". The Floridian. Retrieved 2025-12-21.
  43. ^ a b Elias, Dave (2025-12-18). "James Fishback calls Byron Donalds 'slave to donors'". WBBH. Retrieved 2025-12-21.
  44. ^ Saunders, Forrest (2025-11-24). "James Fishback launches run for Florida governor, calls Byron Donalds "a slave" to donors". WPTV News Channel 5 West Palm. Retrieved 2025-12-21.
  45. ^ Streb, Audrey (2025-12-08). "Florida Republicans Protest Data Centers Despite Trump Admin Push". Retrieved 2025-12-21.
  46. ^ "'I'll fire every H-1B working at…': Florida governor hopeful vows crackdown on visa holders". Hindustan Times. 2025-12-02. Retrieved 2025-12-21.
  47. ^ "'I'll fire every H-1B worker': Florida governor hopeful pledges to incentivise firms to hire Americans". The Financial Express. 2025-12-04. Retrieved 2025-12-21.
  48. ^ "Who is James Fishback, anti-H1-B US investor targeting Indian talent?". The Times of India. 2025-10-28. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  49. ^ "Elon Musk's former aide says US firms are using H-1B visas to "import Indians"". The Economic Times. 2025-10-29. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2025-12-21.
  50. ^ "A conversation with controversial gubernatorial candidate James Fishback - CBS Miami". www.cbsnews.com. 2025-12-21. Retrieved 2025-12-21.
  51. ^ "Florida Republican candidate suggests 'sin tax' for OnlyFans creators". The Hill. 15 January 2026.
  52. ^ Chowdhury, Shubhangi (1 December 2025). "Florida governor candidate James Fishback vows: 'I'll Fire every H-1B worker'". The American Bazaar. Retrieved 6 January 2026.
  53. ^ Perry, Mitch (2025-12-03). "GOP gubernatorial candidate James Fishback campaigns on the message that 'Florida is our home' • Florida Phoenix". Florida Phoenix. Retrieved 2025-12-16.
  54. ^ James Fishback [@j_fishback] (January 3, 2026). "My Statement On Venezuela" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  55. ^ Costeines, Michael (2025-12-26). "James Fishback Pledges Return of Nativity Scenes on Government Property". The Floridian. Retrieved 2025-12-27.
  56. ^ "Florida school district cut ties with GOP candidate James Fishback in 2022 over sexual misconduct allegations". NBC News. 2025-12-30. Retrieved 2026-01-01.
  57. ^ Padilla, Anita (2025-12-05). "Governor candidate James Fishback faces allegations over relationship, began when partner was a minor". Florida’s Voice. Retrieved 2026-01-13.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=James_Fishback&oldid=1333273777"