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Florida GOP Candidate James Fishback heckles Byron Donalds in Lake City, GOP pulls him from event
On a sunny Saturday afternoon in Lake City, Florida, Republican gubernatorial hopeful James Fishback confronted U.S. Representative Byron Donalds at a campaign stop, turning a routine rally into a flashpoint for the state’s heated primary.
Fishback, armed with a megaphone and a handful of supporters, shouted, “Hey Byron! Remember me? You called me a racist, remember that?” and followed it with, “DEI hire, didn’t earn it, Byron.” The remarks directly referenced an earlier accusation Donalds had levied against Fishback. While waiting for the congressman to pass the venue, Fishback livestreamed the encounter on several social‑media platforms, and when Donalds walked by, the crowd joined in the heckling. Donalds did not engage; he simply smiled at the assembled audience.
The episode comes amid a bruising Florida Republican primary. Fishback announced his candidacy for governor in November 2025 and has been linked to far‑right commentator Nick Fuentes, a figure known for white‑nationalist rhetoric and the “groypers” following. Fishback’s supporters have been described as acolytes of Fuentes.
Earlier that week, state‑wide Republican Representative Randy Fine withdrew from a GOP event after saying it would have been a “neo‑Nazi rally” if Fishback had spoken. Fine’s statement prompted the Florida GOP to remove Fishback from the event’s speaker list. Party officials said the decision followed a review of his public statements and associations.
Fishback’s campaign has faced scrutiny over past controversies, including allegations that he groomed a minor while running debate tournaments. He has denied the accusations and has moved on from the incidents.
Byron Donalds, a Trump‑endorsed candidate, is the first Black person to run for Florida governor. He has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2021 and has aligned with the conservative wing of the party.
The Lake City stop was one of several in the state’s panhandle that Fishback has visited, after earlier appearances in Jacksonville, Lake Butler and Columbia County.
The Florida GOP’s decision to uninvite Fishback reflects broader concerns about the party’s image and the influence of extremist elements within its ranks. Leaders have emphasized a commitment to a mainstream conservative platform.
Local media and political observers have taken note of the incident. While Fishback’s supporters continue to rally behind him, the GOP’s swift action signals a clear stance against extremist rhetoric.
The primary remains contentious, with candidates vying for the Republican nomination over issues such as economic policy, public safety and the role of federal programs. In the coming weeks, the Florida GOP is expected to hold additional events to clarify its position on extremist rhetoric and to solidify its candidate lineup.
Donald and Fishback will continue to campaign across the state, each seeking to appeal to Florida voters. The outcome of the primary will determine the Republican nominee for the 2026 Florida gubernatorial election, a race that will attract national attention due to the state’s political significance and its role in shaping U.S. policy.
The Florida GOP’s handling of the Fishback controversy may influence voter perceptions and the party’s ability to present a united front. Observers will watch how the party balances ideological diversity with a desire to avoid extremist associations.
The incident underscores the challenges Florida’s Republican Party faces as it navigates internal divisions and external scrutiny. The party’s decisions in the coming months will be closely monitored by both supporters and critics.
The Florida gubernatorial race remains a focal point for national observers, as the state’s leadership will impact policy discussions on immigration, climate change and economic development.
The Florida GOP’s actions following the Lake City incident illustrate the party’s willingness to confront extremist elements within its ranks. Whether this approach will resonate with voters remains to be seen as the primary approaches.
The primary will continue to unfold as candidates engage voters across Florida’s diverse regions, each seeking to secure the Republican nomination for the 2026 gubernatorial election.
Fishback, armed with a megaphone and a handful of supporters, shouted, “Hey Byron! Remember me? You called me a racist, remember that?” and followed it with, “DEI hire, didn’t earn it, Byron.” The remarks directly referenced an earlier accusation Donalds had levied against Fishback. While waiting for the congressman to pass the venue, Fishback livestreamed the encounter on several social‑media platforms, and when Donalds walked by, the crowd joined in the heckling. Donalds did not engage; he simply smiled at the assembled audience.
The episode comes amid a bruising Florida Republican primary. Fishback announced his candidacy for governor in November 2025 and has been linked to far‑right commentator Nick Fuentes, a figure known for white‑nationalist rhetoric and the “groypers” following. Fishback’s supporters have been described as acolytes of Fuentes.
Earlier that week, state‑wide Republican Representative Randy Fine withdrew from a GOP event after saying it would have been a “neo‑Nazi rally” if Fishback had spoken. Fine’s statement prompted the Florida GOP to remove Fishback from the event’s speaker list. Party officials said the decision followed a review of his public statements and associations.
Fishback’s campaign has faced scrutiny over past controversies, including allegations that he groomed a minor while running debate tournaments. He has denied the accusations and has moved on from the incidents.
Byron Donalds, a Trump‑endorsed candidate, is the first Black person to run for Florida governor. He has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2021 and has aligned with the conservative wing of the party.
The Lake City stop was one of several in the state’s panhandle that Fishback has visited, after earlier appearances in Jacksonville, Lake Butler and Columbia County.
The Florida GOP’s decision to uninvite Fishback reflects broader concerns about the party’s image and the influence of extremist elements within its ranks. Leaders have emphasized a commitment to a mainstream conservative platform.
Local media and political observers have taken note of the incident. While Fishback’s supporters continue to rally behind him, the GOP’s swift action signals a clear stance against extremist rhetoric.
The primary remains contentious, with candidates vying for the Republican nomination over issues such as economic policy, public safety and the role of federal programs. In the coming weeks, the Florida GOP is expected to hold additional events to clarify its position on extremist rhetoric and to solidify its candidate lineup.
Donald and Fishback will continue to campaign across the state, each seeking to appeal to Florida voters. The outcome of the primary will determine the Republican nominee for the 2026 Florida gubernatorial election, a race that will attract national attention due to the state’s political significance and its role in shaping U.S. policy.
The Florida GOP’s handling of the Fishback controversy may influence voter perceptions and the party’s ability to present a united front. Observers will watch how the party balances ideological diversity with a desire to avoid extremist associations.
The incident underscores the challenges Florida’s Republican Party faces as it navigates internal divisions and external scrutiny. The party’s decisions in the coming months will be closely monitored by both supporters and critics.
The Florida gubernatorial race remains a focal point for national observers, as the state’s leadership will impact policy discussions on immigration, climate change and economic development.
The Florida GOP’s actions following the Lake City incident illustrate the party’s willingness to confront extremist elements within its ranks. Whether this approach will resonate with voters remains to be seen as the primary approaches.
The primary will continue to unfold as candidates engage voters across Florida’s diverse regions, each seeking to secure the Republican nomination for the 2026 gubernatorial election.
